Responses from the Electoral Candidates
Responses are arranged according to the date we received them. The first response received in each party appears at the top of that section.
Green Party of Ontario Individual Responses Page
Carla Johnson – Cambridge
Ignacio Mongrell – University-Rosedale
Christopher Carr – Simcoe North
Brownwynne Wilton – Wellington-Halton Hills
Ali Hosny – Oakvill North-Burlington
Jen Purdy – Kanata-Carleton
Shefaza Esmail – Waterloo
Bruno Sousa - Oakville
From: Carla Johnson - Cambridge
Date: February 11, 2025 at 12:06 PM PST
To: Cheryl Koehn
Subject: Re: Arthritis Consumer Experts Survey for Ontario Election
Happy Tuesday ACE,
Thank you for reaching out with your survey.
By now, I hope that someone at the Green Party of Ontario headquarters has answered them in a more thorough way than I can right now. My campaign team is tiny, so my time is very limited, but please know this –
Osteoarthritis showed up in my knees when I was in my 20’s and is now in my ankles, elbows, hands and spine. It has greatly limited my mobility over time and even joint replacements have not been as helpful as one would hope. I fully support any endeavours to ensure that people with all types of arthritis receive better understanding from the medical profession and better care all around. This election during the coldest and slipperiest part of the winter has left me at a very great disadvantage. It has further fueled my deep frustration with the sitting government who seems only interested in people with deep pockets, not with people with needs.
Thank you for all the important advocacy work you do. It is much appreciated.
Carla Johnson
Candidate Cambridge Riding
Green Party of Ontario
www.CarlaJohnson.ca
519-623-2769
I am running to change the way we do politics!
From: Ignacio Mongrell – University-Rosedale
Date: February 12, 2025 at 08:57 AM PST
To: Cheryl Koehn
Subject: Re: Arthritis Consumer Experts Survey for Ontario Election
Hello Cheryl,
Thank you for reaching out. Answering these questions was very interesting for me and I am really intrigued to learn more about your programs, ideas and thoughts to improve healthcare.
Here are my answers:
Question 1:
Will your government commit to continued funding of the ACPAC Project to improve models of arthritis care in Northern Ontario, including Phase 4 expansion?
Yes, I am deeply committed to improving access to healthcare, especially for those in underserved communities. As someone who has seen the impact of rheumatoid arthritis firsthand through my mother’s experience, I understand how vital it is to have accessible, specialized care.
I would love to learn more about the hub-and-spoke model and the work of the ACPAC program, as it seems to have made significant strides in improving access to care in Northern Ontario. As someone who bases decisions on data-driven, research-backed solutions, I would fight to ensure the continued funding and expansion of effective programs like this one.
Question 2:
Will your government commit to modernizing the Ontario Drug Benefit Program by making special access criteria less demanding and restrictive to improve timely patient access to advanced biologic and tsDMARDs medications?
Yes, outdated policies that cause unnecessary delays and prevent timely access to the most effective treatments need to be revoked.
The current Ontario Drug Benefit reimbursement criteria, which require patients to fail on older, less effective treatments before accessing biologic and tsDMARDs medications, are not only outdated but harmful. I believe that patients should be able to access the most appropriate therapies without unnecessary obstacles. My government will work to modernize the Ontario Drug Benefit Program, ensuring that people living with inflammatory arthritis have timely access to advanced treatments that can prevent irreversible damage and improve their quality of life.
These outdated policies are not serving Ontarians, and we need to take action to ensure better, faster, and more effective care for people living with arthritis.
Question 3:
Will your government introduce culturally appropriate, patient-centered policies to help Indigenous Peoples navigate the healthcare system and receive coordinated care within their community to manage their arthritis?
Absolutely. For Indigenous Peoples, who face unique challenges in accessing care, it’s crucial that we develop solutions that are not only effective but also culturally relevant. We will work closely with communities to ensure their needs are met with respect and understanding.
Question 4:
Will your government commit to reinvesting biosimilars savings to increase accessibility to new medicines and expand coverage for existing medicines for people living with inflammatory arthritis?
Yes, I support the use of biosimilars as a cost-effective way to expand access to medications. Reinvesting savings from biosimilars into the system makes a lot of sense to me. This short-term policy will make medications more accessible and affordable in the long-term, which is critical for improving the lives of people living with arthritis and other conditions.
Question 5:
Will your government work with the arthritis community to reduce avoidable emergency department use by people living with arthritis?
Yes, absolutely. I’m eager to learn more about the recommendations the arthritis community has developed to address this important issue. I’ll start by reviewing the ‘Arthritis Ambulatory Care Service Model Enhancements…’ paper you shared through this survey and will be committed to working with the community to implement solutions that reduce avoidable emergency department use for people living with arthritis.
Question 6:
What will your government do to ensure the continuation, improvement, and expansion of virtual care for Ontario residents – both patients and healthcare professionals – and ensure access is equitable to all?
I would take a research-driven approach to understand the root causes of these disparities and use human-centered design to develop solutions that meet the diverse needs of patients. This means working directly with impacted communities, healthcare professionals, and technology experts to ensure virtual care is accessible, user-friendly, and culturally responsive.
Expanding virtual care should not come at the expense of equity. I am committed to ensuring that all Ontarians—regardless of background—can fully benefit from these innovations.
Best,
Ignacio
From: Christopher Carr – Simcoe North
Date: February 13, 2025 at 07:22 AM PST
To: Cheryl Koehn
Subject: Re: Arthritis Consumer Experts Survey for Ontario Election
Cheryl and Anita,
Thank you for your questions.
I have used telemedicine and it has worked well for me. I know there are still many barriers to using telemedicine. We have no walk in clinics in our community, so the other option is the emergency department.
The Green Party is focused on health care issues and uses data to create policies.
My family has been a target of racism and bias in the healthcare industry and works with and for an indigenous focused care network.
I would love the opportunity to work towards getting people the care they need and faster.
Chris Carr
From: Bronwynne Wilton – Wellington-Halton Hills
Date: February 15, 2025 at 02:54 PM PST
To: Cheryl Koehn
Subject: Re: Arthritis Consumer Experts Survey for Ontario Election
Hello Cheryl,
On behalf of Bronwynne and the Green Party of Ontario, we appreciate these very timely and important questions. We are excited to let you know that our Platform has now been released and can be found here.
In this brief response to your email, we will focus on the central question you ask in your ACE survey: What will your party do to improve the level of arthritis prevention, treatment and care in Ontario? We are committed to re-establishing an accessible, equitable and integrated healthcare system that is publicly funded for all Ontario residents, including those suffering from arthritis. We will ensure everyone has access to a family doctor and care team which would help facilitate the prevention, timely diagnosis and management of arthritis conditions. We will address the PSW and other health sector worker retention and recruitment issues so that patients have consistent care.
I would also note that the Ontario Greens are committed to making politics more collaborative and inclusive. To that end, we would be looking to increase the quality and quantity of input into provincial decision-making. Groups such as yours would surely have expertise and knowledge to contribute towards more equitable and timely health care policies.
Please reach out if you have any further questions. Together, we can create a better Ontario.
Take care,
Team Wilton
From: Ali Hosny – Oakville North-Burlington
Date: February 16, 2025 at 12:01PM PST
To: Cheryl Koehn
Subject: Re: Arthritis Consumer Experts Survey for Ontario Election
Dear Cheryl,
Thank you for reaching out and highlighting the important issues faced by the arthritis community in Ontario. The Green Party of Ontario (GPO) acknowledges the challenges that individuals with arthritis encounter and supports efforts to improve healthcare access and treatment options. Although our platform does not specifically mention arthritis, our commitment to strengthening healthcare in Ontario ensures comprehensive coverage across all areas, including chronic disease management and improved access to specialized care.
Below is an overview of our approach to these issues, underscoring our firm commitment as outlined in the 2025 GPO platform.
Question 1: Approach to Arthritis Prevention, Treatment, and Care
The GPO supports strengthening healthcare services to improve access to care for chronic conditions like arthritis. We believe in reducing wait times and exploring ways to enhance healthcare accessibility, particularly for underserved communities.
"We will put people first and work toward an accessible, equitable, and publicly funded healthcare system." – GPO Platform
Question 2: Improving Access to Medications
The GPO supports reducing barriers to essential medications and working toward better accessibility to appropriate treatments for patients.
"We will advocate for universal pharmacare to improve access to necessary medications for all Ontarians." – GPO Platform
Question 3: Supporting Indigenous Communities in Healthcare
The GPO recognizes disparities in healthcare access and supports efforts to expand culturally appropriate healthcare models, including partnerships to improve specialized care availability.
"We will work in partnership with Indigenous communities to support healthcare solutions that meet their needs." – GPO Platform
Question 4: Reinvesting Biosimilar Savings into Expanded Drug Coverage
The GPO believes in reinvesting healthcare savings into improving access to medications and ensuring patients can receive appropriate treatments.
"We will ensure healthcare savings contribute to better access to essential treatments." – GPO Platform
Question 5: Reducing Emergency Room Overload
The GPO supports enhancing community-based healthcare options to help alleviate pressure on emergency rooms and improve overall patient care.
"We will invest in care solutions that reduce strain on emergency services and improve patient outcomes." – GPO Platform
Question 6: Enhancing Virtual Care Access
The GPO recognizes the role of virtual healthcare in improving accessibility and supports efforts to expand its availability, particularly in remote areas.
"We will invest in digital healthcare solutions to improve access to virtual care across Ontario." – GPO Platform
The Green Party of Ontario is committed to supporting efforts that improve healthcare access and treatment options for individuals living with arthritis. We appreciate the opportunity to discuss these important issues and look forward to further conversations on strengthening Ontario’s healthcare system.
Thank you for considering our response.
Best regards,
Ali Hosny
www.alihosny.ca
From: Jennifer Purdy – Kanata-Carleton
Date: February 18, 2025 at 11:03 PM PST
To: Cheryl Koehn
Subject: Re: Arthritis Consumer Experts Survey for Ontario Election
Hi Cheryl,
Below please find my answers in italics.
Thank you,
Jen Purdy
Jennifer Purdy (she/her/elle)
Green Party of Ontario candidate for Kanata—Carleton, on the unceded territory of the Anishinaabe Algonquin Nation
Website: jenniferpurdy.ca
jenniferpurdy@gpo.ca
Question 1
Yes, a Green government will commit to continued funding of this project.
Question 2
A Green government will commit to immediately fund rare disease medications including advanced biologics and tsDMARDs, with the end goal being universal pharmacare in partnership with the federal government.
Question 3
Over one quarter of Indigenous in Ontario have their health needs unmet currently, so significant improvements must be made as soon as possible. Yes, a Green government will work in partnership with Indigenous communities to introduce patient-centred policies and to enable Indigenous to receive care within their community for chronic diseases including arthritis. Furthermore, a Green government will publish annual progress reports and assess trends in specific healthcare topics including chronic diseases in order to ensure equity in access to healthcare.
Question 4
Definitely! Biosimilars savings should be reinvested into increasing accessibility to new medicines. A Green government will remain committed to introducing pharmacare in partnership with the federal government, but in the short term will immediately fund rare disease medications.
Question 5
A Green government will work with the arthritis community to reduce avoidable emergency department use. Creative solutions can improve emergent care for people living with arthritis when they experience a flare or other significant health issues related to their arthritis.
Question 6
Ontario Telemedicine Network (OTN) still exists in Ontario, however in the past the system was clunky and prone to technical issues. A Green government will ensure that OTN hubs are accessible in local clinics as well as hospitals, with staff there to assist patients, and with technology that is updated and patient-centred. Furthermore, a Green government will ensure that for the severely disabled, home care visits by nurses, nurse practitioners, physicians, and other healthcare workers are appropriately supported and remunerated. Finally, a Green government intends to make broadband internet an essential service, and will enact policies making high-speed internet affordable for low-income households.
From: Shefaza Esmail - Waterloo
Date: February 19, 2025 at 01:39 PM PST
To: Cheryl Koehn
Subject: Re: Arthritis Consumer Experts Survey for Ontario Election
Hi Cheryl,
Thank you for sharing this survey with me. I agree that healthcare needs to be a top priority to provide the care we need - this includes specific care for and beyond arthritis, such as Alzheimer's & dementia, concussions & brain injuries, and the backlog of simple and life-saving surgeries.
I commit as a candidate and as a future MPP to ensure that all types of care are given the attention and funding they need so that we can address these issues at the root rather than as a band-aid strategy only. My main goal this election and beyond is to learn more from organizations such as yours how we can improve our systems and start dialogue between organizations so we can create the right synergies and optimize funding opportunities.
I hope this helps to answer the overarching question of commitment to listen and act in the interests of the people, especially the 2.3 million Ontarians living with arthritis (my mom is one of them).
Thank you again for reaching out and I look forward to continuing this conversation!
Best Regards,
Shefaza
From: Bruno Sousa - Oakville
Date: February 26, 2025 at 06:06 PM PST
To: Cheryl Koehn
Subject: Re: Arthritis Consumer Experts Survey for Ontario Election
Dear Ms. Koehn,
Thank you for reaching out and for the opportunity to share our vision for improving arthritis care in Ontario. The Ontario Greens recognize that arthritis affects over 2.3 million residents and is a leading cause of work disability, impacting both our healthcare system and economy.
Below are some key points from our platform that address the survey questions:
- Innovative Arthritis Care Models:
We commit to sustaining and expanding funding for the ACPAC Project, including Phase 4 in Northern Ontario, to ensure timely, local access to advanced arthritis care. - Modernized Drug Benefit Access:
We will modernize the Ontario Drug Benefit Program by streamlining criteria so patients can access advanced biologic and tsDMARD medications without unnecessary delays. - Culturally Appropriate Indigenous Healthcare:
We pledge to introduce patient-centered, culturally relevant policies that support Indigenous communities through dedicated care facilitators and coordinated healthcare services. - Reinvestment of Biosimilars Savings:
We will reinvest savings from a biosimilars transition policy to increase accessibility to new medications and expand coverage for existing treatments for inflammatory arthritis. - Reducing Emergency Department Overuse:
We plan to work collaboratively with the arthritis community to implement strategies that reduce avoidable emergency department visits through improved primary and specialized care networks. - Expanded and Equitable Virtual Care:
We are committed to enhancing virtual care services to ensure that all Ontario residents—especially those in rural and marginalized communities—have timely and equitable access to specialist consultations.
Thank you again for your engagement on this vital issue. Please feel free to reach out with any further questions or concerns. If you believe that our vision best meets the needs of the arthritis community, I kindly ask for your support at the ballot box.
Sincerely,
Bruno Sousa (he-him)
2025 MPP Candidate for Oakville, The Green Party of Ontario
Executive Member, The Green Party of Ontario's Constituency Association of Oakville
2022 MPP Candidate for Oakville, The Green Party of Ontario
Arthritis Consumer Experts
ACE thanks Arthritis Research Canada (ARC) for its scientific review of ACE and JointHealth™ information and education programs.