CUPE members in Ontario have joined forces with the Ontario Health Coalition to build broad-based support across the province for Medicare. Over 50 communities have campaigns underway and more are signing on every day.
Many communities have taken the lead from Kingston, one of the campaign strongholds. Members have canvassed over 85 polling areas with postcards, lawn and window signs and information tabloids building solid support in favour of an improved system of health care. On Saturday, May 11, Michael Hurley, President of CUPE’s Ontario Council of Hospital Unions, will rally Kingston members for the CUPE Blitz Day. This all-day canvass will ensure that every single neighbourhood in the city has been reached.
In the northern regions of the province health care workers and advocates linked arms and marched through Kenora on Sunday, May 5, to kick-off of the “Save Medicare” campaign. “We want to stop privatization,” said Donna Wiebe, vice-president of Local 822 of the Canadian Union of Public Employees and co-ordinator of the local campaign. “We want to send a clear message that the public supports Medicare,” she said. For more information, contact Doug Allen at (416) 292-3999.