The provincial government is being asked to change the funding formula for long-term care services.
Dryden Mayor Greg Wilson says the current levy formula doesn’t include people living in unincorporated areas.
Wilson says their dilemma in the north is that they have a large rural population that eventually depends on long-term health care in urban centres.
As a result Wilson says northern Ontario municipalities are paying more for long-term care services compared to southern Ontario communities.
He stresses this isn’t a new problem.
“Our administrator from the District of Kenora Home for the Aged, Kevin Queen, he’s been trying to get the attention of the province since I think as far back as 2007. So we’re just hoping our new current government will finally amend the funding formula to reflect the realities of northern and rural Ontario.”
He recently raised the issue with Minister of Long-Term Care Merrilee Fullerton during a virtual meeting.
Wilson says she acknowledged the concern and promised to continue the dialogue.
