Ford’s ER plan is a slap in the face to healthcare workers

October 7, 2026

QUEEN'S PARK — Schreiner released the following statement responding to the Ford government announcing the launch of Emergency Department Action Teams.

“Emergency room wait times have spiked over the past five years and rural emergency rooms have been forced to close or drastically reduce services.

Why? Because hospitals can’t afford to hire enough workers or compensate existing workers fairly.

For years, healthcare workers have called on this government to invest in public healthcare at its real costs so they can care for their communities. But instead of listening, the Ford government is wasting millions with a diversion tactic while forcing hospitals to get by with less. 

Hospitals don’t need the Premier to tell them how to do their jobs–they need a government that will actually invest in taking care of its people. 

If this government really wants to repair our healthcare system, then it’s time to put people before profits and start making real investments to hire and fairly compensate frontline healthcare workers.”

-30-