Health care workers rallied outside Northumberland-Peterborough South MPP David Piccini’s Port Hope office Tuesday morning, urging the provincial government to increase hospital funding as pressures mount locally and across Ontario.
The protest was organized by the Ontario Council of Hospital Unions (OCHU-CUPE), which represents 45,000 health care workers.
The rally comes as Northumberland Hills Hospital recently reported sustained capacity pressures exceeding 120 per cent during parts of January, along with extended emergency department wait times and growing surgical backlogs.
Michael Hurley, president of OCHU-CUPE, said the strain seen in Northumberland reflects a broader provincial trend.
Hurley said hospitals have been directed to plan for two per cent annual funding increases over the next three years, while costs are rising at closer to six per cent annually.
The union argues that shortfall could translate into thousands of staff reductions and additional bed closures province-wide.
Hurley also referenced hallway medicine, saying the problem has worsened since 2018.
Provincial officials have previously stated that Ontario is investing record levels in health care and point to capital expansions and new hospital projects, including redevelopment efforts in communities such as Campbellford.
CUPE says sustained increases in base funding are needed to address staffing shortages, reduce wait times, and stabilize hospitals in Northumberland and across Ontario.
(Written by: Joseph Goden)
