New Waterford townhall focuses on community hospital closures

Over 150 people gathered for a Town Hall in New Waterford at the RC Legion Branch 50 last Sunday afternoon. The event was hosted by Cape Breton Centre MLA Tammy Martin.

The vocal group took turns speaking and listening, discussing the planned closure of the New Waterford Hospital. Last June, the McNeil Liberals announced they would be closing two hospitals in Cape Breton: New Waterford Consolidated and Northside General.

“Many people spoke about their frustration that the Minister of Health isn’t listening,” said Martin. “Sunday was an important opportunity to hear from the community and we will take those messages to the Premier and his Health Minister in Halifax and keep fighting for better health care in Cape Breton.”

District 11 Councillor Kendra Coombes, one of several guest speakers at the Town Hall, called the government’s approach “disrespectful.” She cited the lack of consultation, the hasty nature of the announcement and the fact that MLAs, councillors and industry professionals were only told about the closures they day the announcement was made.

Other guest speakers included Councillor Clarence Prince, EHS Business Agent Michael Nickerson, NSNDP Leader Gary Burrill, Dr. Harry Pollett, and Gordie MacDonald, whose call for a bus trip to protest outside Minister Delorey’s Antigonish office was met with a standing ovation.

Also present were Cape Breton PC MLAs Keith Bain, Alfie MacLeod and Eddie Orrell, alongside CBRM Mayor Cecil Clarke.

“It’s clear that the people of New Waterford still have a lot to say about the closure of their hospital,” Martin said. “The McNeil Liberals have abandoned Cape Breton and we shouldn’t have to give away emergency services and in-patient beds in our community in order to get a new health center that was promised years ago.”

Health and Wellness Minister Randy Delorey was invited several times by email and in the legislature. He did not attend.