Dear editor:

Wayne Gates’ July 24 column, “Ontario is sliding toward a two-tiered, U.S.-style health care system,” paints a false picture of health care in Niagara and across Ontario.

The reality is that our PC government is making record investments to strengthen and expand our publicly funded system.

Here in Niagara, annual funding to Niagara Health is increasing by more than $13.2 million this year alone. We are building two new state-of-the-art hospitals.

The new South Niagara Hospital will add 162 beds with 475 single-patient rooms, eight operating suites, two MRI machines, and an emergency department three times the size of the one it replaces.

The new West Lincoln Memorial Hospital will be nearly 80 per cent larger than the existing facility.

We’re also improving access to primary care.

In 2025-2026, the government is investing nearly $2.7 million in the Niagara Falls Community Health Centre to connect up to 6,725 more residents to a family doctor or nurse practitioner.

This follows last year’s investment to connect 7,600 more people through the Niagara Ontario Health Team.

The PC government’s commitment to mental health and addictions services is equally strong.

Investment in a new Homelessness and Addiction Recovery Treatment Hub in Niagara is helping to make the community safer while supporting those struggling with addiction and mental health challenges.

The Niagara Region Youth Wellness Hub also gives young people easier access to the help and resources they need.

These are real, tangible improvements, not patchwork solutions. They show a government that is delivering for Niagara today and building for the future.

The people of this community deserve facts, not fearmongering, about the future of their health care.

Jake Sinke
President, Niagara Falls PC Riding Association
NOTL