Private Clinics Billing Patients Raises Questions at Queen’s Park
Nickel Belt MPP and NDP health critic France Gélinas brought 150 constituents to Queen’s Park on October 29. Each had received a bill from a private clinic, which she said violates the Canada Health Act.
Gélinas Questions the Government
Speaking in the legislature, Gélinas demanded to know why Ontario's government allows private, for‑profit clinics to continue operating in ways that appear to conflict with federal law.
“Does the Minister of Health want to know what all the good people in the visitors’ gallery have in common? They have all been charged for OHIP‑funded services by a private, for‑profit clinic, something illegal under the Canada Health Act.”
Gélinas noted that 50 of those visitors had sent documentation to the Ministry of Health in June, requesting investigations into alleged unlawful billing. She questioned why the ministry had neither investigated nor replied to those complaints.
Minister’s Response
Health Minister Sylvia Jones explained that such concerns should be directed to the Patient Ombudsman, who operates through an independent and transparent process.
“I would encourage everyone who believes they need answers to reach out to the Patient Ombudsman,” said Jones.
In a follow‑up question, Gélinas pressed the minister again for stronger accountability in addressing illegal billing practices.
Author’s Summary
France Gélinas challenges Ontario’s government over private clinics allegedly charging for OHIP‑covered services, demanding investigations and enforcement of public healthcare laws.