Press Releases

VIDEO: MPP Urges Continued Pressure for New Hospital

April 12, 2021 – Simcoe-Grey MPP Jim Wilson has expressed gratitude that redevelopment of Collingwood General and Marine Hospital is on the Government of Ontario’s radar. He thanked both Premier Ford and Health Minister Christine Elliott for listing the project in the April 2021 Infrastructure Ontario Market Update with an estimated cost between $200 and $499 million. For the first time, the fall of 2023 is targeted for a request for proposals, with the possibility of a signed contact by 2024.

Mr. Wilson reminded the Legislature that, “a new Collingwood hospital located at a central, easily accessible site on donated land is much preferred by residents of South Georgian Bay than a re-build at the existing confined hospital location.” He encouraged constituents to continue the fight. And, he asked the Government to “keep an open mind.”

All municipal councils served by the Collingwood Hospital have passed resolutions calling for redevelopment of the General and Marine. Many South Georgian Bay residents have been emailing the Premier and Health Minister demanding a brand new building on the Poplar Side Road. The current structure is more than 50 years old.

You can see Mr. Wilson’s statement here: 

NEWS RELEASE: Canada and Ontario Invest in Simcoe-Grey Community and Recreation Projects

April 9, 2021 – The Government of Ontario has joined with the federal government to fund five projects across Simcoe-Grey. Along with municipal contributions, the projects represent a total investment of almost $4-million in community, cultural and recreation development in the Town of the Blue Mountain, the Town of New Tecumseth and the Township of Adjala-Tosorontio.

The funding is part of the Investing in Canada Plan which brings Ontario and Canada together to reduce the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic, ensure health and safety, rebuild businesses, and promote job creation, growth and investment.

“Infrastructure investment is vital for community well-being and development,” said Simcoe-Grey MPP Jim Wilson. “The projects being supported in our area will provide residents access to important recreational programs and services, and modern and accessible facilities for years to come.”

Below is a list of approved projects in Simcoe-Grey, along with the contributions of the three levels of government:

Big Leap Forward for Simcoe-Grey Hospitals

April 9, 2021 – The Ontario government is moving forward with hospital redevelopments for both Collingwood and Alliston. The news is contained in the April 2021 Infrastructure Market Update released yesterday. 

The Collingwood General and Marine Hospital redevelopment is listed in the report for the first time as a new project in the pre-procurement phase with an estimated cost between $200-$499 million. A request for proposals would be issued in the fall of 2023 and a contract could be signed by 2024. 

Stevenson Memorial in Alliston continues to be listed as a project early in the planning process. Details including delivery model, time and scope are still being determined. 

“This is great news for our region; both projects are moving forward,” said Simcoe-Grey MPP Jim Wilson. “While it appears the government is leaning towards redevelopment of CGMH on the existing site, we still have time to make the case for new build on a greenfield site,” he added. “Either way, Simcoe-Grey will soon have two state-of-the-art hospitals.”

Read more in John Edwards’ Collingwood Connection story here.

Read more in Erica Engel’s Collingwood Today story here

VIDEO: Collingwood and Alliston Hospital Planning On Track

March 31, 2021 – Ontario’s Health Minister Christine Elliott has confirmed that planning for hospital redevelopments in both Collingwood and Alliston will move forward.

Asked by MPP Jim Wilson in the Legislature, Minister Elliott said the government is continuing to work closely with both Collingwood General and Marine and Stevenson Memorial Hospitals. She cautioned that doing it right will take time.

“This is good news,” said MPP Wilson. “We don’t have clarity yet on whether Collingwood will be redeveloped on its existing site, or newly built on the greenfield site that is being donated for that purpose. But we are moving in the right direction.”

Stevenson Memorial is in the second phase of planning and has received $1.5-million in the last year to advance that work.

Mr. Wilson continues to urge his constituents not to become complacent. He asks them to continue writing and emailing Premier Ford This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. and Minister Elliott This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. to ensure both projects remain on the drawing board.

“These developments take time,” said Mr. Wilson. “The General and Marine, and Stevenson Memorial, are like so many other Ontario hospitals built in the 50’s and 60’s. They are all due for renewal. We need to continue showing the government that as fast-growing communities we need these hospitals, and we deserve them.”

See Mr. Wilson’s exchange with Minister Elliott here:

UPDATE - Vaccine Booking System Now Includes Those 75 or Older

March 22, 2021 - Ontario’s COVID-19 vaccine booking system has been expanded. Starting today, if you are 75 or older in 2021, you can book your appointment.

If you are 75 and over you can book online at https://covid-19.ontario.ca/book-vaccine/ or by telephone at 1-888-999-6488. Eligible groups also include adult recipients of chronic home care, essential caregivers of residents in LTC of retirement homes, high-priority health care workers and Indigenous adults. 

First and second vaccination appointments will be arranged at the same time.

“Please be patient when trying to book an appointment,” said Simcoe-Grey MPP Jim Wilson. “It can take time to access the system. Only those who are eligible, or helping somebody who is, should be making appointments in this first phase.” 

People eligible to book appointments will be asked to provide their provincial health card details, birth date, postal code and email address or phone number. 

Until vaccines are widely available and enough people have been fully vaccinated to stop the spread of the virus, we all must: 

continue to follow local public health advice and restrictions
practise physical distancing
use masks or face coverings
stay home as much as possible and only go out for necessities

Ontario has administered more than 1.5 million doses since the vaccination program began in December, 2020. Depending on supply, the province has resources to administer 4.8 million vaccines per month. 

“Everyone who wants a vaccine will receive one,” said Mr. Wilson.  

NOTICE: CF Patients Produce Video for Premier Ford

March 22, 2021 – A grassroots Cystic Fibrosis group has produced a video calling on Ontario Premier Doug Ford to champion their fight for access to life-changing medications. 

The video tells the stories of five young Ontarians and their families whose efforts to gain access to new gene modulator therapies are being frustrated by bureaucratic hurdles. The treatments are available and paid for in more than 30 countries around the world.

Orkambi and Kalydeco are approved for use in Canada but are subject to restrictive prescribing criteria. Trikafta was submitted to Health Canada in December and is pending approval. 

Ontario Minister of Health Christine Elliott has committed to including the medicines on the province’s formulary as soon as the pan-Canadian Pharmaceutical Alliance negotiates a price.

“Ontario CF patients are entitled to these therapies which can improve and extend their lives,” said Simcoe-Grey MPP Jim Wilson. “Cystic Fibrosis is a fatal disease. Those suffering from it can’t continue waiting. They need and deserve a champion.”

Watch the CF Get Loud video here

See the CF Get Loud News Release 

New Home for Hospice Georgian Triangle’s Community Support Programs Now Open

COLLINGWOOD, ON – March 16, 2021 – The Ontario Trillium Foundation has given Hospice Georgian Triangle a $150,000 Resilient Communities Fund grant to help face the challenges brought on by COVID-19 by re-imagining how to best support its community in this unprecedented time of need.

"Hospice Georgian Triangle has provided volunteer services in our community for more than 30 years," said Simcoe-Grey MPP Jim Wilson. "COVID-19 has demonstrated more than ever their critical role in meeting the needs of palliative patients and their loved ones. I am pleased that the Ontario Trillium Foundation is able to support them and help build their capacity," he added.

The pandemic has made clear the need for larger space to grow Hospice Georgian Triangle's free, small group and one-on-one counselling services provided to patients, caregivers, grieving and bereaved individuals and families from Town of the Blue Mountains, Collingwood, Wasaga Beach and Clearview Township. Beginning in Spring 2021, this new space will also allow for grief and bereavement services specifically for children and youth, as well as a Palliative Pain and Symptom Management Clinic to open. These Community Support programs now call 186 Hurontario Street, unit 103 in Collingwood, "home".

Funds from the Resilient Communities Fund grant are being used to help with hiring two full-time staff, offering workshops and training, purchasing art therapy supplies, developmental toys, scan thermometers as well as PPE and cleaning materials.

"Requests for our Community Support programs have increased by 10 percent since March 2020," said Trish Rawn, Interim Executive Director of Hospice Georgian Triangle. "The Ontario Trillium Foundation grant has allowed Hospice Georgian Triangle to hire additional staff and purchase equipment needed to expand our reach and support to vulnerable and isolated individuals in our community. We are very grateful to the Ontario Trillium Foundation for their assistance."
"The 2,700 square foot office space has been reconfigured to provide a safe working environment for staff and volunteers that will allow for socially distanced care and support to be provided to clients, families and donors alike, once public health restrictions allow," said Janet Fairbridge, Foundation Director.

Hospice Georgian Triangle's mission to "support individuals, and their caregivers, in their journey with a life limiting illness to live the best life possible" is delivered through its Community Support programs and Campbell House, the 10-bed hospice at 240 Erie Street in Collingwood. All of Hospice Georgian Triangle's programs are available at no cost to patients, clients and families because of financial support from our community, as well as grants such as the one from the Ontario Trillium Foundation.

The Ontario Trillium Foundation (OTF) is an agency of the Government of Ontario, and one of Canada's leading granting foundations. OTF awarded $115 million to 644 projects last year to build healthy and vibrant communities in Ontario. For more information, please visit: www.otf.ca.

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UPDATE - Vaccine Booking System Open for Over-80’s

March 15, 2021 - Ontario’s COVID-19 vaccine booking system has launched.

People 80 years of age and over can now book online at https://covid-19.ontario.ca/book-vaccine/ or by telephone at 1-888-999-6488. Eligible Phase 1 groups also include adult recipients of chronic home care, essential caregivers of residents in LTC of retirement homes, high-priority health care workers and Indigenous adults.

First and second vaccination appointments will be arranged at the same time.

“Please be patient when trying to book an appointment,” said Simcoe-Grey MPP Jim Wilson. “It can take time to access the system. Only those who are eligible, or helping somebody who is, should be making appointments in this first phase.”

People eligible to book appointments will be asked to provide their provincial health card details, birth date, postal code and email address or phone number.

Until vaccines are widely available and enough people have been fully vaccinated to stop the spread of the virus, we all must:

continue to follow local public health advice and restrictions
practise physical distancing
use masks or face coverings
stay home as much as possible and only go out for necessities

The next phase of Ontario’s vaccination roll-out for people in other age groups is expected to begin in April. Depending on supply, Ontario has the resources to administer 4.8 million vaccines per month.

“Everyone who wants a vaccine will receive one,” said Mr. Wilson.

UPDATE: More Talk; Slow Movement on Cystic Fibrosis Drugs

March 8, 2021 - Federal Health Minister Patty Hajdu has responded to my October letter asking that the pan-Canadian Alliance Pharmaceutical Alliance be directed to expedite negotiations with the manufacturer of medications that would allow people with Cystic Fibrosis to lead longer and healthier lives. Unfortunately, the Minister’s response is all about process, not progress.

Orkambi and Symdeko have been approved for sale in Canada but have been subject to drawn out pricing negotiations since May 2020. Trikafta became the latest gene-modulating drug submitted to Health Canada for approval in December, and is now undergoing priority review.

While Canadians wait, Trikafta has been approved in 32 countries and is paid for in the United States, the United Kingdom, Ireland, Austria, Denmark, Germany, and Slovenia.

It is unconscionable that in Canada government bureaucracy continues to be what stands between needless suffering and early death for CF patients and the improved and extended lives they are fighting for and are entitled to.

Read Minister Hajdu’s letter here:

Support for Simcoe-Grey Municipalities During COVID-19

March 4, 2021 – The Ontario government is providing almost $7-million in new funding to help Simcoe-Grey municipalities address ongoing COVID-19 operating costs. The relief will help ensure the delivery of critical services and keep capital projects on track. It is part of an additional $500-million being allotted to all of the province’s 444 municipalities.

“This investment will help our communities provide the services people depend on every day,” said MPP Jim Wilson. “Municipalities have been clear that they need ongoing financial relief to help address the financial burdens brought on by the pandemic.”

Funding being provided to Simcoe-Grey communities is as follows:

Township of Adjala-Tosorontio 158,853

Town of Collingwood 482,430

Township of Clearview 244,460

Township of Essa 315,156

Town of New Tecumseth 603,115

Town of Wasaga Beach 516,040

Town of The Blue Mountains 148,523

County of Grey 619,680

County of Simcoe 3,866,447

Total 6,954,704

In making the announcement Steve Clark, Minister of Municipal Affairs and Housing said, “Our government continues to adapt and respond to the COVID-19 pandemic as it evolves, and we know our municipalities are on the front lines of this effort. We need the federal government to join us and provide our municipal partners with the additional support they deserve."

The provincial investment builds on the $1.39 billion in operating funding that was provided to Ontario municipalities through the joint federal-provincial Safe Restart Agreement. The second phase of that agreement was allocated to all Ontario municipalities in December, to ensure that no community entered 2021 facing an operating deficit from 2020.

“Municipalities are important partners in the fight against COVID-19,” said Peter Bethlenfalvy, Minister of Finance and President of the Treasury Board. “I encourage our federal partners to step forward with additional investments as all three governments work together to protect people’s health and jobs.”