HALIFAX,
NS, July 15, 2024 /CNW/ - The National
Union of Public and General Employees (NUPGE) will join the rally
for public health care to be held in Halifax on Tuesday,
July 16 during Canada's
Premiers' summer gathering. NUPGE President, Bert Blundon announced the union's National
Executive Board, representing 425,000 members across the country,
has scheduled its summer meeting to coincide with the Council of
the Federation, in order to deliver a unified and urgent message
for decisive action on health care.
"Our governments must work together on a
credible plan to tackle staffing shortages, improve retention, and
ensure accessibility to quality health care in all communities.
Let's be clear: Privatization has been a catastrophic failure—too
costly, chaotic, and ineffective. It's time to return to a serious
commitment to public health care."
"This is a make-or-break moment for public health care in
Canada," said Blundon. "Our
governments must work together on a credible plan to tackle
staffing shortages, improve retention, and ensure accessibility to
quality health care in all communities. Let's be clear:
Privatization has been a catastrophic failure—too costly, chaotic,
and ineffective. It's time to return to a serious commitment to
public health care."
Health care professionals who make up over a third of NUPGE
membership, have identified shortages, chronic underfunding, and
flawed policies as the root causes of the current health care
crisis.
Blundon said any meaningful strategy will need to involve those
who are tasked with delivering care to Canadians every day. "These
dedicated professionals have invaluable insights and
recommendations to share. They need to be at the table if we want
real change."
The rally for public health care will be held in Halifax, Tuesday, July
16, 2024 – 11 a.m. to 1
p.m. at Peace and Friendship Park, Hollis St.
NUPGE President Bert Blundon will be
available for interviews.
SOURCE National Union of Public and General Employees