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Pharmacy fight gains steam Last week in the Ontario Legislature, my colleague Elizabeth Witmer asked a question on the government's pharmacy proposals. Her question exposed the McGuinty Liberals' indifference to small town and rural Ontario pharmacy service. Mrs. Witmer disclosed that the Ministry of Health produced a briefing document last year, which advised the minister that smaller independent and rural pharmacies would have a "low capacity" to survive the changes the government announced recently. Evidently, this prudent advice from ministry staff was ignored, as the government declared war on pharmacy April 7. Anyone who has visited their neighbourhood pharmacy in the past month has likely heard what the changes may mean: less service for patients, and the possible closure of some pharmacies. Speaking in the Legislature, I have called upon the Minister of Health to withdraw her proposals to cut pharmacy service, tone down her rhetoric, and sit down with the pharmacists' association to seek common ground. I believe a compromise could be found to encourage savings AND maintain service. If you are concerned about this issue, 9 Independent & Free Press, Tuesday, May 11, 2010 Ted Arnott more information on the campaign to support local pharmacies is available online at stopcuts.ca. I am receiving stacks of petitions and postcards on this issue, which I intend to present to the government. ··· In my ongoing efforts to reach out to Halton Hills residents, my staff and I are continuing to schedule meetings with constituents at the Mold-Masters SportsPlex arena's boardroom. If you need to meet me, please call 1-800-265-2366 to set up a time. In addition, I plan to once again visit the Georgetown Market Place mall on Friday, May 14, from 1-2:30 p.m., to listen to your ideas and concerns. --Ted Arnott is the MPP for Wellington-Halton Hills In response to the McGuinty government's cuts affecting community pharmacies, Young's Pharmacy in Georgetown is participating in the "Stop the Cuts" campaign to preserve patient services. As in many pharmacies across Ontario, customers are being encouraged to sign petitions to the McGuinty government. Wellington-Halton Hills MPP Ted Arnott recently visited the pharmacy to discuss the issue. From left are, Brenda Garbutt (store manager), Amy Garbutt, Sarah King, Lorraine Holland, Paulette Thibault (pharmacist), and MPP Ted Arnott. Submitted photo Save $10. ery before May 15. 100% Money-Back Guarantee *HW D UHIXQG RQ UHWXUQHG EDJ $139. ,QFOXGHV 'HOLYHU\ within zones MG1351 You call - we deliver, even if you're not home.TM