SUMMER OF DISCONTENT: ‘PREMIER’S BROKEN PROMISE’ ON HOSPITALS DIVIDING MUSKOKA, SAYS THE GREENS’ MATT RICHTER

Mark Clairmont | MuskokaTODAY.com

MUSKOKA — At the height of summer the concept of Muskoka and what it means to be a Muskokan is falling apart as the two largest towns, their hospitals and permanent residents fight for health care supremacy and their very lives.

As the weather and the battle heats up, it’s dividing along municipal and political boundaries.

Call it a summer of discontent.

Matt Richter, Ontario Greens Deputy Leader and former candidate for Parry Sound-Muskoka, has released the following statement in response to MPP Graydon Smith’s recent comments regarding ongoing community concerns over the future of the hospital redevelopments for Bracebridge and Gravenhurst.

“It’s the premier’s broken promise that’s dividing Muskoka residents, and it’s the premier’s responsibility to repair the damage he’s caused.

“Doug Ford and Graydon Smith made this hospital promise more than two years ago. Since then, the Ford government has repeatedly put booze before beds and highways before healthcare while our communities suffer.

“Their continued failure to provide real leadership and guidance is unsettling. Our communities are being pitted against each other while the PCs deflect any responsibility whatsoever for the current situation.

“The solution is for the Conservatives to come to the table with adequate funding not only for the two hospitals, but for all aspects of our healthcare system, including staffing and supporting services to deliver the high-quality care our communities deserve.

“The responsibility falls squarely on the government’s shoulders, and we are not going to stand by while they try to convince our community otherwise.”

Green Party Deputy Leader Matt Richter, here at a rally in Bracebridge last month, said today that he blames the province for promising and not delivering on two equal Muskoka hospitals and says it’s dividing the district north and south.

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