Spadina-Fort York candidates to discuss health issues at nurse-led debate

TORONTO, Sept. 24, 2015 /CNW/ - As the federal election nears, candidates vying to be the next Spadina–Fort York member of parliament (MP) will meet Sept. 29 in Toronto to answer key health and health-care questions.

Adam Vaughan (Liberal) and Olivia Chow (NDP) will participate in an all-candidates meeting hosted by Region 6 (Toronto West) and Region 7 (Toronto East) of the Registered Nurses' Association of Ontario (RNAO). Local nurses will lead a public discussion, highlighting election topics important to the health of the riding – including health-care, social, and environmental concerns.

"The federal government must play a vital role in keeping Canadians healthy, and so health care, poverty, and the environment must be on the election agenda," says Hilda Swirsky, president of RNAO's Region 6. "This meeting will let the people of Spadina–Fort York see how these candidates will help keep Canadians healthy – especially vulnerable populations." 

RNAO recently released Why Health Matters, its platform for the Oct. 19 federal election. The platform identifies election priorities that will keep Canadians healthy, including affordable housing, a national pharmacare plan, special funding to increase registered nurse- and nurse practitioner-to-population ratios, a national palliative care strategy, and reducing greenhouse gas emissions.

This free event is open to members of the public and media.

WHO:	Confirmed Adam Vaughan, Liberal Olivia Chow, NDP Regrets Sabrina Zuniga, Conservative Sharon Danley, Green
WHAT:	All-candidates meeting for Spadina–Fort York riding, hosted by the Toronto West and Toronto East chapters of the Registered Nurses' Association of Ontario (RNAO)
WHERE:	Metro Hall Rotunda, 55 John St., Toronto
WHEN:	Tuesday, Sept. 29, 6:30 - 7:30 p.m.

The Registered Nurses' Association of Ontario is the professional association representing registered nurses, nurse practitioners and nursing students in Ontario. Since 1925, RNAO has advocated for healthy public policy, promoted excellence in nursing practice, increased nurses' contribution to shaping the health-care system, and influenced decisions that affect nurses and the public they serve. For more information about RNAO, visit our website at RNAO.ca or follow us on Facebook and Twitter.

SOURCE Registered Nurses' Association of Ontario

For more information, or to interview a nurse, contact: Hilda Swirsky, President, Toronto West chapter, Registered Nurses' Association of Ontario, 416-627-4706, [email protected]; Daniel Punch, Communications Officer/Writer, Registered Nurses' Association of Ontario, 416-408-5606, [email protected]