Is saving money more important than saving lives?

LETTERS

Re: Manitoba digs in on health pact, July 1

I am writing this letter from the hospital in Roblin, Man., waiting to be discharged after having spent the night here. On Friday, I received multiple wasp stings at the Lake of the Prairies. My Epipen was 70 miles away. By the time I arrived at the Roblin Health Centre, the allergic reaction was in full force. Thanks to Dr. Stephen Maluka and the nursing staff for saving my life.

This example illustrates why all communities must maintain their health facilities. In 1996, hospitals across Canada centralized because Jean Chrétien cut $ 13 billion from health. Paul Martin followed and left Stephen Harper a $ 12- billion surplus, which he wasted. In 2016, the Canada Health Accord expired and Harper refused to renew it.

Justin Trudeau hasn’t done much better. He played the divide-and-conquer game with the provinces. Manitoba still hasn’t sign on.

Politicians of all stripes have cut health care under the guise of saving money. Is saving money more important than saving lives? As one becomes a senior citizen, one realizes that all the money in a bank account cannot buy back health. When governments close hospitals, cut nursing care, cut ER access and response, they are putting your life on the line.

Municipal governments and citizens must stand up against these detrimental cuts. Remember only the squeaky wheel gets the grease. Don’t wait until it’s too late. Write letters, telephone and lobby both your MP and MLA, and your local government.