99 per cent of Waterloo region against hospital privatization, says health coalition
The Waterloo Region Health Coalition (WRHC) is hoping the results from their volunteer-run poll will help put pressure on the Ontario government.
The coalition joined others across Ontario Tuesday announcing the results of their vote on whether the public supports what they callDoug Ford's plan for hospital privatization.
Waterloo region's coalition says 28,054 citizens voted against privatization, while only 267 voted for it.
According to WRHC, a total of 382,000 people across Ontario also voted against privatization, which made up about 98 per cent of the votes.
"[We need to] let Mr. Ford and the government understand that there's a second opinion here," said Jim Stewart, the chair of WRHC. "He doesn't have to listen to the corporate opinion that thinks this is a good idea, and the reason they think it's a good idea is blatantly obvious, because they stand to make billions of dollars in profit."
The coalition says the vote was in response to the Ford government's announcement in January to move forward with the privatization of some services.
The WRHC plans to join other coalitions from across Ontario in front of Queen's Park Wednesday morning to present the results to the government.
CTVNews.ca Top Stories
Here's how much more Canadian landlords are asking for now, according to a just-released report
A new report says the average asking rent for a home in Canada in April was up 9.3 per cent compared with a year ago, while a slight month-over-month increase was also recorded for the first time since January.
What is basic income, and how would it impact me?
Parliamentarians are considering a pair of bills aiming to lift people out of poverty through a basic income program, but some fear these types of systems could result in more taxes for Canadians who are already financially struggling.
Canada abstains from Palestinian UN membership vote but supports two-state solution
Canada was one of 25 countries that abstained from a United Nations vote on Palestinian membership that passed with overwhelming support on Friday.
'I may have some nightmares:' Man survives being bitten by 2 sharks in Bahamas
A man who was bitten by two sharks in the Bahamas said Thursday he's 'thankful that I'm here' while sharing his story of survival.
Mexico's president accuses press and volunteer searchers for missing people of 'necrophilia'
The administration of Mexico's president has accused the press and volunteer searchers who look for the bodies of missing people of 'necrophilia,' comments that drew criticism this week.
Rare severe solar storm Friday could bring spectacular aurora light show across Canada
A rare and severe solar storm is expected to bring spectacular displays of the northern lights, also known as aurora borealis, across much of Canada and parts of the United States on Friday night.
Out-of-control wildfire burning near Fort McMurray
As of 9 a.m. on Friday, the wildfire burning 28 kilometres southwest of the northeastern Alberta city was 25 hectares in size.
Magnitude 4.2 earthquake reported off Vancouver Island's west coast
A 4.2-magnitude earthquake was recorded west of Vancouver Island early Friday morning.
WATCH Expecting an interest rate cut in June? Don't bet on it after new jobs data
Canada's labour market rebounded in April, adding more than 90,000 jobs, a staggering number of new positions after four consecutive months of little change.