March 23, 2005

Premier travels to Atlanta

McGuinty hoping to convince Shriners to build children’s hospital in Ontario

OTTAWA

Ontario doctors are backing Premier Dalton McGuinty in his bid to bring a Shriners hospital to the province.

Dr. John Rapin, president of the Ontario Medical Association, said Ontario is a recognized centre of excellence, with five medical schools.

“It’s important we make the case that we’re ready, willing, able and enthusiastic about Shriners bringing their hospital to Ontario,’’ Rapin said Sunday night.

“It’s something that’s good for Ontario and we want to support it.’’

Rapin sent a letter to the selection committee last week in an attempt to sway the decision.

McGuinty was scheduled to meet with the Shriners’ site selection committee Monday night in Atlanta, effectively joining Ottawa and London in their bids to have the new children’s hospital built in Ontario.

Both cities are competing against Montreal for the new $50-million pediatric-orthopedic facility, which will replace Montreal’s 40-bed Shriners hospital, which is slated to close.

Ottawa rejoined the list of Canadian cities vying for the hospital last July after a local delegation traveled to a Shriners convention to make the city’s case.

A committee is now assessing each city in terms of transportation, research capabilities, medical capabilities, government partnerships and proximity to other hospitals.

The results of the study will be presented during the Shriners’ Baltimore convention in July 2005.

The Shriners, known for their circuses, 22 children’s hospitals and clowning in parades, are a fraternal order of senior Freemasons with assets estimated at $10 billion.

The annual hospitals budget is about $600 million.

The Canadian Press

Print | Email | Comment