Whereas the Counties of Bruce Grey and Huron, within the traditional territory of the Saugeen Ojibway Nation, are primarily rural communities with a collective population of less than 250,000 supplying 30% of Ontario’s electricity and contributing more than $4 billion annually to Ontario’s GDP.
And whereas, our region is relied upon to contribute to the pressing electrification of Canadian society through major energy investments, including Bruce Power’s Major Component Replacement; and other large-scale initiatives under consideration such as 4800 megawatts in new nuclear electricity generation; a nuclear waste deep geological repository; a pumped storage facility; and a large-scale battery storage facility.
And whereas, a significant proportion of the world’s supply of medical isotopes (used to sterilize equipment and treat cancer) are produced by Bruce Power, in our region.
And whereas, our local health care systems are struggling with limited resources that impact service levels, emergency room closures, access to primary care, and the sustainability of our systems.
And whereas, the Rural Ontario Municipal Association has called for a new approach to resourcing rural health care to ensure its sustainability, through their “Fill the Gap Closer to Home” proposal.
Now Therefore, be it resolved that, the Council of the Corporation of the County of Bruce calls upon the Ontario Ministry of Health to implement an immediate pause on all planned and future service level reductions and closures at hospitals within the Bruce, Grey Huron region.
And that, this pause remain in effect until detailed studies can be undertaken to understand how we can safeguard our healthcare system and broader social safety net, to ensure the success of our region while supporting nationally significant projects.
And that, Council directs this resolution be circulated to all municipalities in Bruce, Grey and Huron, local MPs and MPPs, and to the Prime Minister, Premier of Ontario, and the Deputy Premier and Minister of Health.