The message outside of Queen’s Park last week was loud and clear: public health care is worth fighting for.
Members of the United Steelworkers (USW) District 6 joined thousands of workers, activists, community members and allies at a rally organized by the Ontario Health Coalition to push back against growing privatization in Ontario’s health-care system. Members of the District 6 Political Action Committee (PAC) were also in attendance, standing shoulder to shoulder with organizations from across the province in protection of universal public health care.
Flags waved and chants echoed through the crowd as speakers shared personal stories about the real-life impact of cuts and privatization. For many in attendance, the issue was deeply personal.
“Health care is important to all of us,” said Roopchand Doon, Vice President of the Steelworkers Toronto Area Council and a member of the District 6 PAC. “Privatization continues to grow under this provincial government, while schools, teachers, trustees and our public services are still under attack. I recently had cataract surgery where I currently live in Brantford, Ont., and saw firsthand how patients are pressured towards private clinics and extra costs. Health care is a human right, and privatization is an infringement of that right.”
USW District 6 Director Kevon Stewart said Steelworkers are proud to stand up and fight back against attacks on public health care.
“District 6 represents more than 5,000 health-care workers, and we know the value of a strong, publicly funded health-care system,” said Stewart. “Our members see every day what happens when services are stretched thin and workers are asked to do more with less. Privatization puts profits ahead of patients and undermines the quality of care that people deserve. I’m proud to see Steelworkers standing alongside allies from across Ontario to defend public health care and fight for a system that works for everyone, not just those who can afford to pay.”
“Defending public health care is a political issue because it directly impacts workers, families and communities,” said Anita Bryan, USW District 6 Political Action Co-ordinator. “Political action is about making sure working people have a voice, and yesterday’s rally showed what can happen when unions and community organizations come together around a common cause.
Health care is a human right and we must continue pushing back against privatization.”
As the rally came to a close, one message remained at the heart of the day: health care is not for profit – it is a human right.
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