A healthier city starts with removing barriers—not adding more bureaucracy. Every unnecessary hour in the ER is an hour someone else couldn't receive life-saving care.

SUPPORTING FASTER ACCESS TO URGENT CARE

The Problem

Residents of Etobicoke North deserve timely access to healthcare. Too many people wait for hours in overcrowded emergency departments with urgent—but non-life-threatening—conditions, increasing pressure on hospitals and delaying care for everyone.

Although healthcare delivery is a provincial responsibility, Toronto has an important role to play in helping remove municipal barriers that slow healthcare expansion.

The Policy

As City Councillor, I will advocate for stronger partnerships between the City of Toronto, Ontario Health, William Osler Health System, hospitals, and community healthcare providers to support the expansion of urgent care capacity where appropriate.

I will support motions that:

• Identify suitable municipally owned land for future healthcare facilities where feasible.
• Accelerate planning approvals and permits for healthcare-related projects.
• Improve transportation, accessibility, and infrastructure surrounding hospitals and community health centres.
• Encourage digital innovation and modern patient access systems that improve healthcare navigation.
• Advocate to the Province for additional urgent care services in underserved communities, including Etobicoke North.

The Benefits

Toronto cannot operate hospitals—but it can become a better partner.

By removing municipal barriers, coordinating approvals, and supporting strategic healthcare infrastructure, we can help reduce emergency department pressures, improve access to care, and strengthen healthcare for residents without duplicating provincial responsibilities.