On Sept. 5, 2024, Minister of Health Mark Holland met with Member of Parliament Vance Badawey
(Niagara Centre), Mayor Wayne Redekop (Fort Erie), and Mayor Bill Steele (Port Colborne) to discuss innovative approaches to primary care in South Niagara. The meeting focused on addressing the healthcare needs of Fort Erie and Port Colborne, with an emphasis on improving access to primary care for residents.
During the discussion, the officials highlighted the challenges facing South Niagara’s healthcare system, including physician shortages, healthcare infrastructure, and the need for enhanced community-based healthcare solutions. Minister Holland commended the collaborative efforts of local leaders to develop effective primary care models tailored to the unique needs of South Niagara.
"We are committed to strengthening our healthcare system and ensuring that every Canadian has access to high-quality primary care services," said Minister Holland. "The innovative approaches being explored in South Niagara are a testament to how local leadership can drive positive change for their communities."
MP Vance Badawey emphasized the importance of collaboration between federal, provincial, and local governments to address healthcare challenges. "By working together, we can create sustainable healthcare solutions that benefit the people of South Niagara, including a stand-alone model for the Urgent Care Centres in Fort Erie and Port Colborne, he said. “I will fight hard to ensure the residents of Fort Erie and Port Colborne receive equitable access to healthcare services that we deserve!”
Mayors Redekop and Steele echoed these sentiments, noting that primary care is essential for the well-being of their communities. They expressed their gratitude for the federal government's support in exploring new and improved healthcare models and reaffirmed their commitment to improving health outcomes in South Niagara.
The meeting marked an important step forward in addressing the healthcare needs of South Niagara and identifying opportunities for innovative, community-driven solutions.