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LHINs not right for Halton When the McGuinty government announced its plans to introduce Local Health Integration Networks (LHINs) across Ontario I was concerned for Halton residents. Chief among my fears, and yet to be dispelled, is the problem of Halton being grouped with Peel and our concerns in Halton taking a back seat to issues in the more populated Mississauga. The LHIN approach to planning would be less of an issue in an area of low population growth or if Halton was a LHIN alone. However, with the huge amount of growth in Halton and its having to share a LHIN with the more populous Mississauga, the changing needs of Halton will not get the attention they deserve. Now that the LHINs are a reality it appears there is even more to be concerned about. The McGuinty Liberal government has earmarked $160 million for the bureaucracy to operate the LHINs. Yet according to the legislation, the Minister of Health can supercede the local decisions of the LHINs at any time. Ultimately that means Ontario will spend an additional $160 million of the health care budget on non-medical administration that is powerless. The LHIN legislation also allows the minister to unilaterally close hospitals without a hearing as is currently required. Additionally, charitable gifts given to a hospital can be transferred to another hospital at the minister's whim. While the premier has suggested there is no plan to use these powers, one has to question why they are included in the legislation. Premier McGuinty brought in the largest tax hike in Ontario history while promising to address frontline health care. These LHINs do nothing to address those needs. Employee groups in our hospitals are very Ted Chudleigh