Mantha tells Ford to stop blocking new doctors from practicing in Blind River

Algoma-Manitoulin NDP MPP Michael Mantha told Doug Ford Thursday that his government must stop blocking two new doctors from practicing in Blind River, after the Conservative government said they will not be able to practice for most of the winter.

“These two doctors are already practicing in Ontario, have their CPSO number and billing number, but they have to wait for the ministry to approve them while the ER is full and flu season is around the corner,” said Mantha.

“Northern and rural communities are struggling enough as it is to recruit and retain doctors. These two doctors relocated to Blind River in hopes of helping to relieve the pressure on the community.  Now they are told to stay on stand by for 20 weeks.”

Mantha had written to Health Minister Christine Elliott about the issue and received no response, before he raised it in question period Thursday.

“This is unacceptable and if there is no immediate change, it will hurt the recruitment prospects of future physicians in Blind River and the area. This process could be streamlined in a matter of a few days,” said Mantha. “This government must fast track the process for these two physicians in Blind River and restructure the current process to meet the needs of northern communities.”

• Author
• Recent Posts

Mike Mantha

Michael Mantha is a politician in Ontario, Canada. He is a New Democratic member of the Legislative Assembly of Ontario who was elected in 2011. He's the NDP critic for Indigenous Relations and Reconciliation and critic for Northern Development and Mines. He represents the riding of Algoma—Manitoulin.

Latest posts by Mike Mantha (see all)

• Pour les élus, le premier emploi consiste à représenter leurs communautés - September 25, 2023
• For elected officials, job one is representing their communities - September 25, 2023
• Me pincer noir et bleu - June 26, 2023