Healthcare is a priority for Rota

Healthcare was the focus for Anthony Rota Thursday at a news conference at his Fisher Street headquarters. The Liberal incumbent, joined by former Medical Officer of Health Dr. Catherine Whiting, confirmed once again that 60 days out of the election should the Liberals form the government they would start the process of renewing the health-care accord between Ottawa and the provinces.

Rota addressed 16 points in the Liberal red book that includes a debt reduction plan for doctors and nurses if they locate to underserviced areas. The plan would allow $40,000 for doctors and $20,000 for nurses.









Rota noted that a Liberal government will work with all stakeholders to introduce the following measures:

• to improve access to a new generation of innovative pharmaceuticals

• to get more doctors and nurses to our underserved areas like Mattawa, Cobalt and Powassan,

• by creating a $20 million fund designed to attract the medical professionals, and

• including debt reduction initiatives which will provide

• up to $20 000 for nurses and nurse practitioners, and

• up to $40 000 for doctors

• to expand elder care with our new Family Care Plan, worth $1 billion annually, which will provide

• a 6 months of EI to help support an ill family members

• a New Family Care Tax Benefit modeled on the child tax credit for those who are not eligible for EI

• to improve diagnosis and care for mental illness

• to emphasize health promotion, sport and a national healthy food policy

• by providing a new Healthy Food Choices Program

• by providing progressive labeling regulations on all food products

• by investing $40 million over 4 years in a new Healthy Start Program for children in low-income families, and

• by investing $80 million over 4 years in a Buy Local Fund

• to put in place a Canadian Brain Health Strategy to help families cope with the effects of diseases like Alzheimer’s, Multiple Sclerosis and Parkinsons