Toronto Star Classroom Connection

Don’t turn away from health crisis

Julia Bluswhak, St. Catharines

I usually enjoy any time spent reading Canadian humorist and economist Stephen Leacock for his agility to entertain as he illustrates bizarre dynamics of our mostly Canadian and man-made systems of governance and commerce.

To read his 1945 work, “While There’s Still Time,” now in our COVID era is educational and alarming. That particular series of essays was an urgent appeal to boost confidence in private enterprise in order to offset economic deflation that could befall post-Second World War Canada.

His focus was resource development and investment. Yet, he mentioned human resources — peopleoriented service, education, workplace unions and governance bodies — to convince the reader that realistic social policy and private initiative must balance out for the public good.

Ontario needs to fund, support and secure a healthy health-care labour force, not turn away.

If Niagara’s local urgent care and hospital services are at risk of permanent closure, it may be that this province should do its fair share to uphold the provisions of the Canada Health Act — to better fund these community built hubs of service and ensure equitable, accessible provision of health service, for all.

As Leacock insisted, honesty and service for a public good come before profits.

JULIA BLUSWHAK ST. CATHARINES

‘‘ Honesty and service for a public good come before profits.

OPINION

en-ca

2023-06-10T07:00:00.0000000Z

2023-06-10T07:00:00.0000000Z

https://torontostarnie.pressreader.com/article/282673281725500

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