As Canadians, we take pride in our healthcare system, but for some of Ontario's most vulnerable people, that system is failing.

• The PC government recently announced that the Ontario College of Midwives is at risk of losing all its funding.
• Planned spending for mental health services has been reduced by $335M, annually,
• Minimal and inadequate transportation services in rural and indigenous communities greatly reduce access to health services, potentially leaving communities in crisis.
• Those receiving support from the Ontario Disability Support Program will see a slight increase in the monthly rate of permitted additional earnings, but those applying to the program will face more barriers and may not receive any funds at all.
• Sex education in our public-school system has reverted to a curriculum from 1998, putting our children's health and safety at risk, as they receive outdated information that completely omits lessons on consent, online interactions, sexual and gender identity.
• Ontario PCs recently passed a resolution to debate recognition of gender identity. How can adequate healthcare be provided to people within a province that cannot even comprehend their existence?

This month, we will be marching for healthcare. If you are a person living in a rural or indigenous community, earning a minimum wage, are a person living with disabilities, a member of the LGBTQ2+ community, or are a woman, please, march with us. When cuts are made, our healthcare is the first to go.

By rallying together, we are investing in our community’s wellness, which is so important during this time of divisiveness; when instead of seeing potential for growth, the most vulnerable people in our province are also viewed as the most expendable. Everyone in Ontario deserves equal and adequate support and access to healthcare.

When and Where
Join us on January 19th for Owen Sound's first annual Women's March. We will be meeting in the Library Auditorium at 2:00pm for a rally and community interaction, before we hit the streets. This will also be an opportunity for those who want to get involved but are unable to walk the distance, to participate in a seated (and heated) area.

Please don't hesitate to contact [email protected] with any questions, concerns, or accessibility requests. We will do our best to accommodate everyone who would like to attend.

Members of the community are also invited to join us for a general meeting on January 13th, (location and time to be decided.) We're looking for suggestions and ideas from diverse voices within out community. Everyone is welcome! We only ask that you please RSVP ([email protected]), to ensure that we book the appropriate space.
More information: http://madlibmom.com/index.php/mc-events/womens-march-for-healthcare/?mc_id=4
You can also check out the Facebook event here: https://www.facebook.com/events/356907255095065/