Health Care Cuts: Troubling Effects on Canadian Forces - Member's Statement

THE SPEAKER « » : The honourable member for Dartmouth South.

HEALTH CARE CUTS: EFFECTS ON CDN. FORCES - TROUBLING

CLAUDIA CHENDER « » : Mr. Speaker, for over 40 years, the Dartmouth General Hospital has provided health care to people in Dartmouth and the surrounding areas, including the many military service people who live in our communities.

I, like many Canadians, was troubled to learn the federal Liberal government has cut funding to hospitals for the care provided to people serving in the Canadian Forces.

The federal government decision almost certainly will exacerbate the already stretched-beyond-capacity status of our health care generally and our hospitals specifically. One regional hospital located near a base in Ontario estimates this change could cost them $3.4 million. I hope all members of this House will join the NDP caucus in opposing these cuts and ensure the many Nova Scotians who serve in the Canadian Forces get the health care they need.

THE SPEAKER « » : The honourable member for Bedford.