We are facing unacceptable wait times for MRIs in Niagara right now. Right now, our community faces a staggering 306-day wait time for MRIs—a wait time that nearly doubled in the past year.

Since 2016, we have fought tooth and nail to secure additional funding to increase MRI operating hours. In 2021, we received funding to operate a brand new MRI machine. And yet, despite these efforts, our wait times have only worsened. Why are we in a dire situation and waiting 306 days? People in Niagara should not be forced to endure unbearable waits for medical procedures, yet here we are, waiting endlessly while our health care deteriorates.

This crisis will become another excuse for the government to push for privatization of our health care services. But let me be clear: Privatization is not the answer. It only benefits the wealthy few who will leave the rest of us suffering.

We must hold the government accountable for its failure to prioritize the health and well-being of our communities. It’s time to demand action, to demand change. We cannot allow our public health care system to continue failing us.

This government has committed to the funding to ensure Niagara residents have access to MRIs. So what is happening at Niagara Health? We cannot allow our health care to fail on purpose.

Speaker, 306 days, frankly, is unacceptable to the residents of Niagara.