FEDELI CALLS FOR HALT TO SENIORS DRUG CHANGES
March 16, 2016NORTH BAY – Nipissing MPP Vic Fedeli is demanding the Wynne government backtrack on proposed changes to senior’s drug benefits contained in the 2016 Budget.
“Ontario’s seniors rely on their medications to keep them healthy and out of the hospital. The government’s changes help a small amount of seniors but hurt the vast majority (92%), who will see their prescription costs nearly double,” said Fedeli.
“The cost of medication is already too high for Ontarians. Now, the government has decided that if you are a senior with an income more than $19,000 you are considered rich.”
The Ontario PC Caucus has shown that the Wynne government’s budget consultation process was a sham. The fact that the government is now considering raising the threshold for this drug benefit is more proof they didn’t do their research properly, added Fedeli.
“Seniors have seen their physiotherapy services cut, hydro rates are making them choose whether to heat or eat, and now this government is making the cost of medications more unaffordable,” Fedeli said, noting the government has also cut the Healthy Homes Renovation Tax Credit, which helped seniors live independently and safely in their homes.
The Standing Committee on Finance and Economic Affairs is holding hearings on the budget bill next week, and now is the time for residents in Nipissing, and all Ontarians, to make their voices heard on this issue, he added.
“For Ontario’s seniors, life is simply harder under this government. They need to do right by our seniors and stop this plan in its tracks.”