"We are bitterly disappointed in both the process and the outcome of these deals as they are known so far", said Natalie Mehra Provincial Coordinator. "We are appalled at the process and secrecy surrounding the negotiations, which have not improved at all with the change in government. We are calling on the government to immediately lift the veil of secrecy that obscures these projects from public scrutiny and release the deals."

"The significant and unprecedented privatization and commercialization that appears to still characterize these deals disqualifies them from being considered public hospitals", she continued. "It appears that the government has turned from principle to public relations, tinkering a little so that they can claim to meet an election promise. These are still P3 hospitals and we will renew our fight to ensure full public ownership, control and operation of our hospital system."

The Ontario Health Coalition has coordinated a massive province-wide campaign to stop the P3 hospitals over the last two years. In the lead up to the election, Dalton McGuinty promised to bring the hospitals into the public system as quickly as possible. Recently, the hospitals have conducted major campaigns to pressure the government into signing the deals.

For more information: Natalie Mehra 416-441-2502.