A call for increased funding for the Northern Health Travel Grant.
Mushkegowuk-James Bay MPP Guy Bourgouin says with the high cost of living the Travel Grant just doesn’t keep pace any more.
“With our rate of inflation, this program does not even cover gas let alone a hotel room for residents of northern Ontario,” Bourgouin told MPP’s during Question Period on Monday.
“Patients are left paying out of pocket or racking up credit card bills,” said Bourgouin.
Bourgouin adds the province hasn’t adjusted rates for years now.
“The reimbursement rate is 41 cents per kilometer, with the price of gas sitting around $1.90 or $2 per liter. The hotel industry has seen an increase rate of 30 percent (per room). It’s not uncommon to pay $150 per night. The travel grant covers $100 dollars for two nights.”
Health Minister Sylvia Jones says the provincial government has committed 48.2 million dollars last year for the Northern Health Travel Grant and is doing what it can to expand the number of health care services available to residents living in northern Ontario.
