Economy needs support, but ‘not at expense of health care’

GREY-BRUCE - When Canada’s premiers held a three-day conference in Muskoka July 21-23 to discuss tariffs, the economy and health care, there was a parallel conference nearby – Ontario Health Coalition and their counterparts from other provinces, labour leaders and Indigenous groups. 

Saskatchewan Premier Scott Moe, left to right, Prime Minister Mark Carney and Ontario Premier Doug Ford speak to media following the first ministers' meeting in Saskatoon on Monday, June 2, 2025. THE CANADIAN PRESS/Liam Richards

Aug. 8, 2025

By  Pauline Kerr, Local Journalism Initiative Reporter The Walkerton Herald Times

GREY-BRUCE - When Canada’s premiers held a three-day conference in Muskoka July 21-23 to discuss tariffs, the economy and health care, there was a parallel conference nearby – Ontario Health Coalition and their counterparts from other provinces, labour leaders and Indigenous groups. 

One of those involved in planning the parallel event was Grey-Bruce Health Coalition’s Brenda Scott, in her capacity as chair of the rural and small hospitals committee with the Ontario Health Coalition.

Scott said the “shadow summit” on Monday, July 21, consisted of a full day of networking and meetings. Of particular interest to her was the Indigenous groups, there to protest Bill 5. She said she found their speakers impressive. “I felt it was an honour to be there to hear them,” she said.

She commented that she found one of the best things about the rallies and meetings was the networking. “The networking was huge,” she said.

Scott said she learned that the challenges affecting Ontario’s small, rural hospitals are “a common issue” in other provinces, too – lack of access, and cuts to hours and services.

Read Article at The Hamilton Spectator