MPP Jeff Burch motion to eliminate hospital parking fees voted down by Ford Conservatives

QUEEN’S PARK – The Ford government has just voted down a motion tabled by NDP Shadow Minister for Municipal Affairs and Skilled Trades, Jeff Burch (Niagara Centre), to eliminate hospital parking fees for patients, families, and healthcare workers. The motion also called on the government to cover any revenue shortfalls so that hospitals aren’t left footing the bill.

The motion follows Nova Scotia Conservative Premier Tim Houston’s recent move to eliminate hospital parking fees and cover revenue shortfalls in that province.

“We should not be taxing the sick to cover hospital deficits. And no one should have to pay to access healthcare or go into debt just to sit by a loved one’s bedside,” said Burch. “But today, the government chose parking revenue over patients.”

Burch’s motion was endorsed by a broad coalition, including the Ontario Nurses’ Association, the Canadian Cancer Society, and the Ontario Health Coalition, as well as thousands of Ontarians who signed petitions and submitted stories. Burch plans to continue building this coalition until hospital parking fees are eliminated in the province of Ontario.

Quotes

“On behalf of the residents in the Niagara region and nurses and health-care professionals across Ontario, we are writing to you today to urge you to support MPP Jeff Burch’s motion to eliminate parking fees for staff and patients at public hospitals. While some hospitals provide free parking to staff, nearly 90 per cent do not. At some hospitals, such as St. Joseph’s in Hamilton, staff are forced to pay $120 for a monthly parking pass while they provide lifesaving care to patients. By removing fees, the government would remove a substantial financial barrier and take an important step to improve retention among nurses and health-care professionals.” - Erin Ariss, RN President Ontario Nurses’ Association

“Ontarians face many challenges when faced with a cancer diagnosis, with financial burden being a major concern. The 2024 Canadian Cancer Statistics report revealed that cancer costs the average patient around $33,000 in their lifetime, and most Canadians worry about covering these expenses. The Canadian Cancer Society works to address this issue, recognizing that solving the cost of cancer requires collective action — it takes a society. Ontario should follow Nova Scotia’s lead and ensure patients pay for the care they need, when and where they need it, with their OHIP card, not their credit card,” said Hillary Buchan-Terrell from the Canadian Cancer Society.