TORONTO – Ontario’s labour minister says the province is monitoring the ongoing Port Arthur Health Centre strike.
The labour dispute, which has resulted in 65 staff members on the picket lines since April 9, was addressed in Queen’s Park on Tuesday when MPP Judith Monteith-Farrell (NDP, Thunder Bay-Atikokan) questioned the government.
“Every day the employer refuses to bargain, the people of Thunder Bay who rely on this clinic are struggling to get appointments, are struggling to get their medical information,” Monteith-Farrell said in the legislature.
“They are forced into overcrowded clinics. They are forced to go to the overcrowded emergency rooms at our already beleaguered hospital and use ambulatory care at our hospital.
Labour Minister Laurie Scott responded to the question and said the government is looking forward to its resolution.
“We are certainly aware of the situation and we’re monitoring it at the Ministry of Labour,” Scott said. “This situation, both sides are encouraged to work together to resolve the differences at the bargaining table. The Ministry of Labour mediators are available to assist the parties in the process.
Health Minister Christine Elliott also chimed in, but said her ministry has no direct involvement in the process.
“I appreciate this is a serious situation. We want to make sure everyone in Ontario has access to the health care services they need,” Elliott said. “We encourage both sides to get together to try to resolve this in the interests of the people of Thunder Bay area to receive the services they need.”
