Whitby Mayor Elizabeth Roy found herself embroiled in a verbal spat with Ontario Premier Doug Ford over the town’s efforts to secure a much-needed hospital. The confrontation unfolded on Wednesday during separate events, with both politicians exchanging pointed criticisms.
At the heart of the dispute lies Whitby’s relentless advocacy campaign for a new hospital, a cause that Mayor Roy has passionately championed. However, Premier Ford took issue with what he perceived as excessive incentives offered by the town to garner support for the campaign. Specifically, he criticized the practice of offering raffle prizes to residents who participated in surveys and signed petitions advocating for the hospital.
Ford’s remarks, delivered during a press event in Vaughan, raised eyebrows as he questioned the propriety of politicians offering gifts to constituents in exchange for support. He insinuated that such actions might warrant investigation by the integrity commissioner, suggesting that they could undermine the integrity of the political process.
Mayor Roy swiftly defended Whitby’s campaign, emphasizing that the incentives were secondary to the primary goal of raising awareness about the urgent need for improved healthcare facilities in the community. She refuted Ford’s assertions, clarifying that the campaign’s focus was on addressing healthcare concerns rather than simply distributing prizes.
The tension between the two leaders underscores the stakes involved in Whitby’s quest for a new hospital. Despite assurances from provincial politicians, including Premier Ford, about the government’s commitment to the project, progress has been slow. The absence of a promised planning grant in the recent provincial budget only adds to the frustration felt by Whitby residents and officials.
Against this backdrop, Mayor Roy remains resolute in her determination to secure the necessary funding for the hospital project. She intends to continue pressing provincial authorities, including Premier Ford and local Members of Provincial Parliament (MPPs), to prioritize Whitby’s healthcare needs and fulfill their promises to the community.
As the verbal sparring between Mayor Roy and Premier Ford highlights, the battle for improved healthcare infrastructure in Whitby is far from over. It is a struggle marked by passionate advocacy, bureaucratic hurdles, and the relentless pursuit of a fundamental necessity: accessible and quality healthcare for all residents.