Hospitals will now be forced to suggest service cuts to the government for its consideration. Studies have shown that Ontario hospitals are already the most efficient in the country. Hospitals are already at the forefront of accountability. For example, three years ago, Ontario hospitals voluntarily launched the most comprehensive hospital report cards in Canadian history. Hospital Boards are constantly mindful of their responsibility to ensure that taxpayers' dollars are spent wisely.
Accountability is a two way street.
The Budget also reduces funding available to hospital capital projects. Communities across Ontario are having difficulty raising their share of the costs to finance improvements to hospital facilities. This failure to address the capital needs of hospitals will delay essential improvements in communities across Ontario.