Bluewater Health in Sarnia. October 23, 2018. (Photo by Colin Gowdy, BlackburnNews)Bluewater Health in Sarnia. October 23, 2018. (Photo by Colin Gowdy, BlackburnNews)
Sarnia

Ford government says Bluewater Health heating costs to skyrocket

The Ford government claims the federal carbon tax that came into effect Monday is going to cost hospitals tens of millions of dollars.

Bluewater Health's heating costs are projected to steadily rise to just over $243,000 in 2022-2023, compared to just over $97,000 this year.

Health Minister Christine Elliott said heating costs at all of Ontario's hospitals will go from $10.8 million this year to over $27 million by 2022-2023.

"For $27.2 million, Ontario could offer an additional 104,615 MRI operating hours, providing scans for an additional 157,000 patients," said Elliot.

Ottawa imposed the carbon tax on four provinces it said did not have an adequate plan to fight climate change, but Environment Minister Rod Phillips said Ontario does.

The Made In Ontario Environment Plan was introduced in the legislature last November, and is making its way through the legislative process now.

-With files from Adelle Loiselle

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