CUPE Criticizes Provincial Government Over Funding Refusal for Regional Health Centre

Canadian Union of Public Employees is representing staff at North Bay Regional Health Centre. The union stated that the provincial government's refusal to provide adequate funding is leading to the health centre considering additional cuts this year. CUPE noted that the centre is projecting a $14 million deficit and may have to reduce its workforce. Since the last year, access to mental health benefits for staff has increased by 81 percent, and sick time has risen substantially.

CUPE argues that the centre, which provides specialized mental health services alongside acute care, is being stretched to its limits. The union stated that the funding issues affect frontline staff, including nurses, PSWs, and rehabilitation assistants, who are currently experiencing burnout.