By Emily Stonehouse
Despite rumblings that MPP Laurie Scott would not be running for the Conservative Party again, she has confirmed that her name is once again on the ballot. “I still have a lot of projects that I would like to get done for our constituents,” she said. “There are exciting opportunities happening across Haliburton County.”
Scott shared that her number one passion is healthcare, and with a background in nursing, she had no shortage of insight in regards to the ongoing challenges to the medical system. “I really do have this passion,” she said, “and that’s why I want to continue for another round.”
When asked about the closure of the Minden ER, Scott referenced the shortage of human resources. “(Closing the ER) wasn’t something that we wanted or expected,” she said. “But the hospital board does the day–to-day management, and now there is new leadership in place at HHHS.”
Scott shared that with the provincial government, there is a short, medium, and long term plan for improving healthcare needs. She noted that currently there is $85 million designated from the province for these initiatives. “We funded the application for the Kawartha North Family Health Team to open family care,” she said, in reference to the urgent care clinic in Minden. “They are funded for two nurse practitioners, but have only been able to fill one role.”
This ties to the human resources concern she alluded to earlier.
But Scott and the Conservatives are hopeful that by implementing additional resources, such as pharmacists increasing their scope of practice, then the weight will be taken off the ER. “I understand that it can all be very emotional,” she said. “But the hospitals have master plans in place, and we work with them to make sure they get funding.”
When asked about the timing of the snap election, called by Premier Doug Ford on Jan. 27, Scott cited the ongoing topics of tariffs and President Donald Trump. “Canada is not for sale,” she said. “This is all about leadership. Who do we want taking Trump on? The boss (referencing Ford) is a fighter.”
Scott shared that she does not intend to be present for any upcoming candidates meetings. “My job is winning this election,” she said, “so we’ve been meeting as many people as we can, face-to-face.” The current MPP has been going door to door, and connecting with people she meets when out and about. “The response has been very positive so far,” she said.
