Chamber takes stand on recent job-losses

Last week the Local Health Integration Network chose to move 31 mental health beds from North Bay to Sudbury, a decision which isn’t sitting too well with council. But they’re not the only ones who are upset at the loss of 31 local beds, and 64 local jobs.

“Obviously we’re concerned with the disruption it’s going to cause to their lives, and the lives of their families,” Chamber of Commerce President, Sean Lawlor said.

Lawlor said the Chamber of Commerce is looking into setting up a committee to identify some of the answers to the questions that are being asked. He hopes a solid alternative to the recommendation which has already been adopted will come from this committee.

One of Lawlor’s concerns with the whole process of moving the beds from North Bay to Sudbury was that there wasn’t any time to hear from the local health experts to get their opinions on the situation, and the fact that operational costs weren’t taken into consideration.

“Well that might not be the top consideration,” Lawlor said. “It certainly has to be one that’s taken into account before a serious decision such as this.”

One issue that was repeatedly brought up at Monday Night’s City Council meeting was that 64 local job being moved to Sudbury likely means 64 families moving away from North Bay as well.

“If they’re moving to Sudbury to maintain their job ... that’s obviously a concern too,” Lawlor said.