With the 2014 provincial election well under way, RNs and other voters are hungry for information on the key issues and where the parties and leaders stand. Polls show health care is the second highest issue of concern after the economy. That’s why we think it is important for all parties to be clear about their plan to improve the health of Ontarians.

To maintain and strengthen our health system for the future, we need to chart a course today. At a media conference at Queen's Park, RNAO unveiled its vision for a future health system.

The changes we propose look at every aspect of the health system, from how care is delivered, to who delivers and where it should be delivered. We also want to see a shift from our current model, which is focused on illness care to one where health promotion, disease prevention and management of chronic conditions are given greater attention.

Voters deserve to know the details of where the parties and leaders stand when it comes to their health. We couldn't agree more. And that’s why RNAO invited each party leader to answer 13 questions that would help clarify their positions on the key areas that affect the health of Ontarians. The questions relate to the main priority areas outlined in our vision of what Ontario’s future health system should look like.

RNAO Comparison of Ontario Liberal, PC, NDP and Green Party Platforms

The following table compares the published platforms of the four major provincial political parties with RNAO’s key expectations for the next government as set out in RNAO's blueprint called "Visionary Leadership: Charting a course for the health system and nursing in Ontario"

Platform commitments in the table are based on the policies and costing available from the four party platform documents only. Only those commitments that address components of RNAO’s Vision are included.

See the platform comparison chart

RNAO Questions and Party Responses

Key RNAO Questions for Party Leaders

Green Party of Ontario - Response to RNAO Questions

New Democratic Party of Ontario - Response to RNAO Questions

Liberal Party of Ontario - Response to RNAO Questions

Progressive Conservative Party of Ontario - Response to RNAO Questions

RNAO Chapter All-Candidates Meetings

RNAO is a nonpartisan association that encourages dialogue among all political parties. To foster discussion about healthy public policy, a number of local RNAO chapters have organized meetings of all candidates in their riding.

The following chapters are holding all-candidates meetings.

• May 30 – Windsor-Essex
• June 2 – Middlesex Elgin
• June 2 – Kawartha Victoria

Press release(s)

RNAO issued a joint press release along with the OMA, Patients Canada and Better Care faster urging all political leaders for more meaningful debate on health-care matters during the remaining weeks of political election. See the press release

Take Your Politician to Work

Every spring, RNAO invites politicians to join registered nurses on the job and learn about the pivotal role RNs play in keeping Ontario healthy. This year, with the provincial election scheduled for June 12, we’ve invited candidates from all political parties to participate. The following candidate visits have been confirmed.