Bruce-Grey-Owen Sound MPP Bill Walker today sought an apology from deputy Premier Deb Matthews after she suggested during a heated debate at Queen's Park on Monday that the new hospital in Markdale may be jeopardized.
Rising on a Point of Order in the Legislature this morning, MPP Walker said it was "unacceptable" for the deputy Premier of Ontario to be using threats against his constituents just because she disliked his debate points on the provincial budget.
"It's insulting for her to suggest that the funding for the new Markdale Hospital, and the health care of my constituents could be put in jeopardy because she had a personal disagreement with me over an item in the budget," Walker said.
"People's health is not a bargaining chip. It should not be a partisan issue," he said, adding that it was highly inappropriate for the deputy Premier to threaten and intimidate the people of Markdale and area who have worked very hard on their new hospital project.
"I can tell you, the people of Markdale and area are very passionate about the new hospital, and have worked very hard, raising $12 million toward the project. It's just wrong for the deputy Premier to use this against them, and as such, she should apologize to my constituents in Bruce–Grey–Owen Sound for her highly disrespectful comments."
