Public Health Ontario workers say the potential closure of six laboratories across the province would be dangerous and increase inequity in northern Ontario. THE CANADIAN PRESS/Chris Young
Healthcare workers from Public Health Ontario have expressed grave concerns over the potential closure of six laboratories across the province, highlighting the risks it poses to public health and the creation of disparities in northern Ontario. They have emphasized the importance of these labs in maintaining disease surveillance, responding to outbreaks, and ensuring community safety. Additionally, worries have been raised regarding the proposal to discontinue the water testing program for private well owners throughout Ontario.
The suggestion to shut down six public health laboratories and eliminate the water testing program was reiterated last fall by the auditor general as a cost-saving measure. This recommendation comes within the context of Public Health Ontario's initial proposal in 2017 to consolidate its 11 laboratories, a move that has yet to be acted upon by the government.
Casey McGuire, a lab worker with Public Health Ontario, presented a petition at Queen's Park signed by over 9,000 colleagues and concerned citizens, emphasizing the potential risks associated with lab closures. McGuire stressed the fundamental mission of Public Health Ontario to facilitate informed decision-making and protect and promote health while addressing health disparities.
McGuire, along with the Ontario Public Service Employees Union representing the agency's lab workers, has urged the government to reconsider the proposed closures, citing the detrimental impact it would have on public health. The closure of labs in Timmins, Sault Ste. Marie, Orillia, Hamilton, Kingston, and Peterborough could result in the loss of 82 jobs, according to J.P. Hornick, the union's president.
J.P. Hornick emphasized the critical importance of maintaining public health infrastructure, especially in light of recent health crises. She criticized the potential decision to close these labs as shortsighted and dangerous, noting that it could precipitate a crisis rather than resolve any existing issues.
Health Minister Sylvia Jones responded to concerns about the well-water testing program, stating that no decisions have been made regarding its future. She assured that the tests remain available and accessible to private well owners across the province.
The auditor general's report highlighted the need for modernization within Public Health Ontario, including the consolidation of labs to address rising costs and enhance efficiency. It noted that several labs were rerouting the majority of test samples to other sites, indicating a need for streamlining laboratory operations.
In response to the auditor general's recommendations, Public Health Ontario accepted the need to update and implement a plan to streamline laboratory operations within a year. However, concerns have been raised by municipalities and local health boards regarding the potential closures. Sault Ste. Marie city council and the Kingston, Frontenac, Lennox, and Addington Board of Health have passed resolutions opposing the closure of labs in their respective areas, citing the loss of expertise and its impact on public health challenges.
New Democrat Jamie West emphasized the importance of listening to these concerns and highlighted the potential repercussions of closing over half of the province's public health labs. He stressed the need for a comprehensive approach to maintaining public health infrastructure and addressing community health needs.
