Health care advocates in Durham Region are preparing for a rally in Ajax as part of a nationwide “Day of Action” protesting privatized health care in Canada.
The rally is scheduled for Monday at noon outside the office of Ajax Member of Parliament Jennifer McKelvie on Old Kingston Road. It is being organized by the Durham Health Coalition, which says the demonstration aims to protect Canada’s public health care system.
The event is part of a coordinated series of rallies taking place across Ontario and Canada, where health coalitions are raising concerns about what they describe as increasing efforts to introduce private health care services similar to the U.S. model.
Organizers say the protests are directed at recent health care reforms being discussed or implemented by Alberta Premier Danielle Smith and Ontario Premier Doug Ford.
According to the coalition, the nationwide Day of Action is meant to highlight what they call an “unprecedented threat” to Canada’s publicly funded health care system.
The Durham Health Coalition is urging federal Liberal MPs to defend the Canada Health Act and oppose health care privatization.
In a press statement, the group claims Alberta’s proposed reforms would introduce private health insurance options, direct billing to patients and private clinics, which they argue could create a two-tier health care system.
The coalition also raised concerns about policies in Ontario that they say are leading to increased reliance on private clinics and reduced public hospital services.
Organizers believe these changes could lead to “queue jumping” in health care, where people who can afford private services receive treatment faster than others.
“Selling queue-jumping for those who have the thousands of dollars available to pay contravenes the requirement that all Canadians have access to health care based on medical need, not wealth,” the coalition stated.
During the rally in Ajax, several speakers are expected to address the crowd and discuss the importance of maintaining a strong public health care system.
Speakers will include Pam Parkes, chair of the Durham Health Coalition and president of CUPE 6364 at Lakeridge Health, as well as Michael Hurley, president of the Ontario Council of Hospital Unions.
Advocates are also calling on the federal government to take stronger action to enforce the Canada Health Act, which sets national standards for publicly funded health care.
Among their requests, the coalition is asking Ottawa to ensure provinces that allow private billing for medically necessary services could face financial penalties through reduced federal health transfers.
The rally in Ajax is one of several demonstrations planned across the province.
Other Day of Action protests in Ontario are scheduled in cities including Toronto, Mississauga, Hamilton, London, Waterloo and Ottawa.
Organizers say the goal of the demonstrations is to bring attention to the issue and encourage political leaders to keep public health care accessible and equitable for all Canadians.
