For release: November 15, 2005

ONTARIO GOVERNMENT SUPPORTS IMPROVED ACCESS TO HEALTH CARE
Invests In Project To Expand Mental Health Care
Services In Northern Communities

TIMMINS - The Ontario government is supporting improved access to health care by investing in a project to expand mental health care services in northern communities, David Ramsay, MPP for Timiskaming-Cochrane announced today on behalf of Minister of Agriculture, Food and Rural Affairs Leona Dombrowsky.

"The McGuinty government is committed to meeting the top priorities for rural Ontario - strong people and strong economies and better health," said Ramsay. "Today's announcement supports our commitment to invest in the prosperity and improve the health of our people."

The Ontario government will contribute $160,700 to the Canadian Mental Health Association, Cochrane Timiskaming Branch and its partners, Cochrane District Community Care Access Center and Northern College of Applied Arts and Technology Job Connect. The project will create an integrated health care system with a dedicated telecommunications network. The new system will assist in attracting and increasing the number of health care practitioners serving Timmins, Matheson, Kirkland Lake, New Liskeard and other communities.

"We are providing unprecedented levels of support to people who need mental health services," said Health and Long-Term Care Minister George Smitherman. "This investment will help people to receive care from professionals closer to home."

"This project will help us build stronger remote Northern communities by reducing geographical barriers, increasing access to health care services and enhancing the quality of life for people receiving health supports," said Judy Shanks, chief executive officer, Canadian Mental Health Association Cochrane Timiskaming Branch.

Today's investment was made through the Rural Economic Development (RED) program, which invests in projects that support sustainable rural economies and community partnerships, and is a key part of the government's plan for rural Ontario. The rural plan provides a coordinated framework across government to build on rural Ontario's strengths - committed people, diverse economic opportunities, unrivalled resources and a solid sense of community.

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Contact:
Christopher Flavelle
Minister's Office
(416) 326-3072