Gélinas reappointed NDP health critic

Nickel Belt MPP France Gélinas has been reappointed as the critic for both health and long-term care and francophone affairs in the NDP's shadow cabinet.

Gélinas will also serve as the party's deputy whip.

“France brings years of experience to the roles of health and long-term care critic and francophone affairs,” provincial NDP leader Andrea Horwath said, in a press release.

“As a francophone, she understands the needs of Franco-Ontarians. She’s a respected advocate for effective public health care both at Queen’s Park and in the health care community. I look forward to protecting the health care of Ontarians with France Gélinas and our New Democrat team in the legislature.”

Gélinas takes a hands-on approach to issues affecting the health care of Ontarians in cities, in rural areas and in the north, according to a press release from the NDP. She respects the rights of her fellow French-speaking Ontarians.

“Ontarians should have equity of access to excellent health care services no matter where they live in this province,” she said, in the press release.

“Northerners and francophones shouldn’t have to worry about getting treatment when they’re sick or injured.”

She has tabled private members’ bills aimed at protecting and improving health care for the young, the elderly and the vulnerable, the press release said. Most recently she pushed for a PET scanner to serve patients in Sudbury and the northeast.

“My job is to stand up for the health care of Ontarians. I owe it to them to work with the NDP team and across party lines to put people first.”

Posted by Heidi Ulrichsen