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FEDNOR a budget highlight says MP

Our members have repeatedly told us they want to die at home surrounded by family members, but all too often they are dying in hospital surrounded by tubes.
rota, anthony 1 turl 2016
MP Anthony Rota.

Nipissing-Timiskaming Liberal MP Anthony Rota understandably is happy with yesterday's Federal budget, calling Fednor news a "highlight" for Northern Ontario.

"It's been increased by five million dollars a year for five years and after being gutted for a number of years by the previous [Conservative] government it's nice to see it being rebuilt again," Rota told BayToday in a telephone interview.

"The vision we want to see is prosperity, and investing back into the economy."

Rota also mentioned increased money for child care and home care and mental health support for seniors.

"It's increasing substantially for the province of Ontario, almost 11 billion dollars over 10 years and more specifically the government will provide Ontario with an additional 4.2 billion in the next decade and part of that, 2.3 billion will be dedicated to better home care and addressing critical home care infrastructure requirements and 1.9 billion dollars will support mental health initiatives."

CARP, a national, non-partisan, non-profit organization that advocates for financial security and improved health care for aging Canadians appears to agree.  

VP of Advocacy Wanda Morris, says CARP is pleased to see action on two areas that have been the focus of active campaigns.  Calls for action to help caregivers have been met with expanded tax credits and Employment Insurance benefits, and the government has now budgeted the funds to meet its $3 billion, 5 year homecare funding pledge and extend that commitment to $6 billion over 10 years.

With respect to homecare funding, Wanda Morris noted "Our members have repeatedly told us they want to die at home surrounded by family members, but all too often they are dying in hospital surrounded by tubes. CARP is pleased to see the government deliver on its homecare funding commitment to help chronically ill and dying Canadians live - and die - at home.”


Jeff Turl

About the Author: Jeff Turl

Jeff is a veteran of the news biz. He's spent a lengthy career in TV, radio, print and online, covering both news and sports. He enjoys free time riding motorcycles and spoiling grandchildren.
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