NEWS RELEASE
SIMCOE COUNTY HEALTH COALITION
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The Simcoe County Health Coalition (SCHC) is gravely concerned with the current government’s plans to convert our local public hospitals’ core services into for-profit hospitals and clinics.
Similarly, the SCHC is disturbed by the government’s expedition of the passing of Bill 60, which will open the door to further privatization, the lowering of quality of care standards, deregulation of health-care professions, lack of accountability, and lack of transparency. Without question, this would severely damage all local public hospitals and the delivery of health care in small and rural towns.
With the Ontario Health Coalition, the SCHC has organized an Ontario-wide, citizen-run referendum and is mobilizing with other coalitions to garner votes across the province. Voting in the referendum will give a clear voice to millions of Ontarians who oppose the privatization of our hospital services. The vote will take place throughout May, with the main voting days on May 26 and 27.
Across Ontario, there are more than 500 voting stations so far, with more coming every day. The Simcoe County Health Coalition is announcing polling stations in several areas of Simcoe County, as part of this referendum.
Simcoe County residents aged 16 or older who have not already voted in the referendum are invited to vote at a polling station from the list or visit www.simcoecountyhealthcoalition.org for up-to-date information and advance poll dates and locations.
Ontario residents who cannot attend an in-person polling station may vote online at www.PublicHospitalVote.ca.
The Simcoe County Health Coalition is also seeking volunteers to staff polling stations and distribute leaflets. Everyone who believes in democracy and in protecting our local public hospitals’ services is welcome to join. To volunteer, complete a volunteer survey or reach out via email to [email protected]. You can also find the SCHC on Twitter, Facebook, and Instagram.
List of polling stations on May 26
- Outside of Joshua's Greenery: 35 Dunlop St. E., Barrie, 9 a.m. to 5 p.m.
- Farm Boy: 436 Bryne Dr., Barrie, 8 a.m. to 8 p.m.
- Homestead Artisan Bakery + Cafe: 80 Dunlop St. E., Barrie, 8:30 a.m. to 5 p.m.
- Centennial Park: 57A Lakeshore Dr., Barrie, 6 to 8:30 p.m.
- Centennial United Church: 234 William St., Stayner, 10 a.m. to 4 p.m.
- Anglican Church of the Good Shepherd: 219 Scott St., Stayner, 10 a.m. to 4 p.m.
- Royal Canadian Legion: 2146 Concession Rd. 4, Brechin, 3 to 7 p.m.
- Outside the Orillia Opera House at 20 Mississaga St. W., Orillia, 6 to 8 p.m.
- Next to the Tim Hortons on Roth Street, Angus, 9 a.m. to 3 p.m.
List of polling stations on May 27
- Outside of Joshua's Greenery: 35 Dunlop St. E., Barrie, 9 a.m. to 3 p.m.
- Homestead Artisan Bakery + Cafe: 80 Dunlop St. E., Barrie, 8:30 a.m. to 5 p.m.
- Corner of Collier Street and Mulcaster Street, Barrie, 8 a.m. to 12 p.m.
- Centennial Park: 57A Lakeshore Dr., Barrie, 12 to 8:30 p.m.
- Centennial United Church: 234 William St., Stayner, 10 a.m. to 4 p.m.
- Anglican Church of the Good Shepherd: 219 Scott St., Stayner, 10 a.m. to 4 p.m.
- Outside the Beeton Honey and Garden Festival: 20 Main St. E., Beeton, 9 a.m. to 4 p.m.
- Next to the Tim Hortons on Roth Street, Angus, 9 a.m. to 3 p.m.
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