CORNER BROOK, NL – The provincial government’s plan to have a private company design, build and operate a dementia health unit on the west coast flies in the face of everything government has been saying about protecting our health care system.
That assessment comes today from the Canadian Union of Public Employees, after the Department took out ads on the weekend seeking “Expressions of Interest” for the design, construction, maintenance and operation of residential duplexes for dementia care in Corner Brook.
CUPE National Representative Brian Farewell says, “Both the premier and Health Minister John Ottenheimer have continuously preached their total commitment to a publicly-delivered health care system. Now the province is ready to hand over subsidies to a private sector company to run a health care facility and turn a profit.”
Meanwhile, CUPE Local 488 President Donna Ryan says, “There is a new long term care facility scheduled to be built in Corner Brook that will be totally public. While we knew these dementia units were coming, there was no indication whatsoever that they would be handed over to a for-profit company.
Adds Farewell, “Is the premier now saying that because these residents are not totally dependent on the care of others that a private system will suffice?”
For information:
Donna Ryan President
CUPE Local 488
(709) 632-0980 (Cell)
Brian Farewell
CUPE National Rep.
(709) 689-4761 (Cell)
John McCracken
CUPE Communications Rep.
(902) 455-4180 (o)