Wellington Halton Hills MPP Ted Arnott is refusing to let up in his quest for answers about funding for Groves Hospital in Fergus.
In a question to Premier Dalton McGuinty in the legislature last week, Arnott asked when the government would release its long-promised 10-year plan for hospital capital projects.
“Hospitals need to know where they are on the list so that they can plan their projects,” said Arnott in the legislature.
He again informed MPPs that the Groves Hospital in Fergus needs permission from the Minister of Health to move forward to the next stage of planning for its new hospital, and that the Georgetown Hospital requires a small capital grant.
The day’s debate came after the Minister of Health, Deb Matthews, the day before had repeated her view that MPPs are hospitals’ best lobbyists. In reply to Arnott’s questioning – his second consecutive day posing questions on the issue, McGuinty responded favourably.
“If [Mr. Arnott] has any specific advice with respect to his community, obviously, that’s the kind of thing that we want to consider,” said the premier.
When question period concluded, Arnott followed up by speaking personally with the premier.
“Our conversation was very cordial,” said Arnott. “It was a helpful opportunity to reiterate the importance of these projects to the people of our communities. I indicated that I would give him further information documenting our need.”
The previous week, the legislature debated Arnott’s resolution on the issue.
It called on the Minister of Health to immediately approve the planning grant requested by the Groves Memorial Community Hospital, and to seek approval for a small project capital grant for the Georgetown Hospital, allowing it to proceed with its needed emergency room addition and diagnostic imaging renovation project.
In spite of the Liberal majority voting to defeat Arnott’s resolution, he said he has no intention of giving up.
