Carbon tax impact on local hospitals being highlighted

The Ford government is highlighting the impact the federal carbon tax will have on local hospitals because of increased heating costs.

MPP Vic Fedeli says costs will rise by the year 2022 by $623,492 at the North Bay Regional Health Centre, and $12,814 at the Mattawa General Hospital.

“The carbon tax will have a direct impact on patients here in Nipissing and make life more unaffordable,” said MPP Vic Fedeli. “Hospitals in Ontario are under enormous pressure.  Diverting resources to cover rising heating costs instead of on reducing wait times and ending hallway health care is not the right solution for Ontarians.”

In a release the province says it’s Environment Plan considers Ontario’s specific priorities, challenges and opportunities, and commits to reducing emissions to 30 per cent below 2005 levels by 2030, a target that aligns with the Federal Government’s Paris commitments, without imposing a carbon tax.

He says through the efforts of individuals and industry, Ontario is already most of the way to this target, with the province’s emissions down 22 per cent since 2005.

“Our plan serves as proof that you can both oppose a carbon tax and continue to do more to fight climate change – you don’t have to choose,” concluded Fedeli. “A carbon tax isn’t the only way to fight climate change. Ontario deserves both a healthy environment and a healthy economy.”

The province continues to fight Ottawa’s plan to impose a carbon tax on the people of Ontario.

File photo by Richard Coffin