Free nurses? No thanks, says Mayor Rob Ford

The Toronto Star:

Mayor Rob Ford has rejected the province’s offer to hire two public health nurses for Toronto at no cost to the city, drawing rebukes from both the provincial health minister and a loyal council ally.

Ford’s Monday decision marked the second time he has opposed a provincial health initiative that would not have required any city funding. In February, he was the lone dissenter in a 44-1 vote to accept provincial money for an effort to encourage residents to be screened for HIV and syphilis.

One of the nurses would have worked with new immigrants on disease prevention, said Councillor John Filion, chair of the health board. Another would have worked in a poor neighbourhood to promote health services.

In a statement, health minister Deb Matthews said Toronto is to date the only one of the province’s 36 health units to reject the nurses.

“The rest of Ontario's municipalities are working with us and with our public health units to improve care for all Ontarians. I am very disappointed in the city's decision and I strongly encourage Mayor Ford to reconsider,” Matthews said.

But in a rare display of executive disharmony, budget committee chair Mike Del Grande, public works chair Denzil Minnan-Wong, planning chair Peter Milczyn, and and parks and environment chair Norm Kelly opposed.

Said Minnan-Wong on Tuesday: “The province is paying for two nurses full-time. Why would you say no to additional public health nurses to help out? Why would you say no?”

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