2023-03-08 from theglobeandmail.com
Ontario Premier Doug Ford’s government needs to spend $21.3-billion more on healthcare to meet its own expansion targets and will be short about 33,000 nurses and personal support workers by 2027-28, says a new report from the province’s fiscal watchdog.
The report, which delves into the government’s healthcare spending plans over the next six years, says that while the province has committed to making “significant investments” to expand capacity in hospitals, home care and long-term care, the pace will be hampered by Ontario’s growing and aging population.
Financial Accountability Officer Peter Weltman estimates that Mr. Ford’s government has allocated $21.3-billion less than needed to fund current healthcare programs and expansion plans in hospitals, home care and long-term care, and will need to dip into contingency funds or new federal health transfers to fulfill its commitments. Otherwise, the government will have to add new funding in upcoming budgets and fall economic statements, make program cuts or change its plans, according to Mr. Weltman’s report.
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