Warning of health care cuts

A public health advocacy group is warning the highly anticipated Drummond report will contain billions of of dollars in health care cuts.

The Ontario Health Coalition says the spending review by former TD Bank economist Don Drummond will contain cutbacks despite urgent and unmet health needs in the province.

Drummond’s report – which comes out next Wednesday – will identify potential cost saving measures in several Ontario government departments including health care.

The coalition says the public has never properly been informed of the Liberals’ plans to cut $3 billion from hospitals and OHIP. They warn if Drummond’s recommendations are adopted, that number would jump to $4 billion.

The coalition is now offering a list of their own recommendations to the government, including changing the employer health tax to ensure high income earners pay more. It says that would help generate $2.4 billion to help relieve pressure.

Video: Melissa Raftis reports: