Newly released documents show the Ontario government is moving ahead with a massive hospital privatization plan, which would see the number of P3 hospitals in the province increase to at least seven hospitals. Four multinational corporations are identified as partners in a plan that would see them free to provide a wide range of commercial uses in the new hospitals – all but casinos, adult entertainment and tobacco sales.
It remains difficult to obtain details on the costs and accountability arrangements, as the government and the hospitals keep key information under wraps. The Royal Ottawa Hospital has not yet released any information while in the case of the William Osler Health Centre in Brampton, the financial information related to the $1 billion deal has not been released.
The secrecy once again draws attention to concerns about accountability and transparency around P3s. The private companies cite commercial confidentiality in denying public access to essential information. The public has to jump through hoops to see what little is available. Yet, we still don’t know what price taxpayers are paying for the leases.
CUPE members are joining the Ontario Health Coalition April 3 to protest the provincial government’s plans to pursue P3 hospitals in Brampton and Ottawa.
