By Hub staff

Bruce-Grey-Owen Sound MPP Bill Walker said in a news release Tuesday that he will meet with the newly appointed Minister of Health, Eric Hoskins, to discuss the future of the Markdale Hospital.

The offer to meet was made by Minister Hoskins after he failed to assure the local MPP of his government's intended date for the construction of the new hospital in Markdale, Walker said.

During Question Period Walker reiterated his support for the new facility and also sought the government's support. [[LINK TO VIDEO OF Q]]

"I asked the new minister to confirm that infrastructure money would be allocated in the 2014 budget and that the hospital promise his government made to my constituents was not made purely for political purposes," Walker said in the news release.

The MPP said he thinks it's important for the new minister to understand that in Markdale's case, it is not a case of a hand-out. "The community stepped up to the challenge nine years ago and raised $13.2 million as their part of the challenge that this government put in front of them and they want the government to honour its commitment now," he said in the news release. "Eleven years on, this hospital project is of profound concern and need to my constituents in Markdale and area."