The growing chorus of concern among many Island healthcare providers is deepening an already grave crisis. Dennis King and the PCs appear to be putting their political ambitions ahead of the needs of Islanders’ healthcare.
 
“In a single afternoon, the Medical Society warned that healthcare is on the verge of collapse. Then the PEI Nurses’ Union told Islanders the Conservatives are refusing to bargain – using an ill-timed election as an excuse to avoid talks.” said Liberal Leader Sharon Cameron “PEI’s nurses deserve the respect and dignity of a fair labour contract that reflects the vital role they play in our healthcare system.”
 
Cameron was responding to a statement issued Wednesday by the PEI Nurses’ Union (PEINU) in which they expressed their justified frustration with the government for refusing to negotiate until after the election – delaying talks up to at least mid-June.
 
PEINU represents more than 1,350 registered nurses and nurse practitioners across the Island, including those working in hospitals, long-term care homes, community care, and mental health and addictions services. According to the PEINU, “… the decision to stop bargaining… is likely to have a lasting negative impact on the province’s healthcare system.”
 
PEINU has been without a contract since March 31, 2021.
 
In its statement, the PEINU said:
 
“What we cannot continue to do is allow the employer – an extension of government – to take advantage of our goodwill and good natures to hold a crumbling healthcare system together. In the absence of systemic changes, the systemic failures – including chronic, unsafe staffing levels – that we’re facing in healthcare will continue; responsibility for which rests squarely on the shoulders of government.”
 
“At a time when we are discussing the essential role our nurses play as the foundation of the Island’s healthcare system, it is a cynical ploy to deprive them access to the collective bargaining process, especially since our nurses have been without a contract for two years,” said Cameron. “I believe it is essential for the government to move forward with these discussions now. Allowing a further diminishment of confidence will only damage the interests of Islanders – who desperately need a government that will take the healthcare challenge seriously,” she said.
 
The Liberal Platform calls for specific measures to address the crisis in nursing, including legislated standards for nurse-to-patient ratios, so workloads are more manageable. As well, the Liberal Party supports enhanced compensation that attracts new nurses and helps the Island to retain existing nurses as valued healthcare professionals.