Timmins-James Bay MPP Gilles Bisson says nobody should have to choose between paying for life-saving medication and rent.

He told Queen’s Park the story of a Timmins couple who are struggling after one suffered a stroke two years ago.

Richard Madore lost his physiotherapy treatment at Timmins and District Hospital due to cutbacks by the Liberals, and his wife Theresa was forced to leave her own health care job to care for Richard full-time.

Richard, who is 64-years old, doesn’t qualify for Ontario’s senior drug program, and doesn’t have any other coverage either.

“The NDP has proposed a universal Pharmacare plan that would help all Ontarians, including people like Richard,” said Bisson. “I don’t understand why Wynne would leave people like Richard and Teresa to fend for themselves when it comes to getting the medication that Richard needs to stay healthy.”

He goes on to mention the Madore’s financial situation, saying they’re just scraping by on a fixed income and can’t afford a $900 deductible to access the Trillium program to get Richard’s prescriptions filled.

“You shouldn’t have to empty your wallet to get the medicine you need,” continued Bisson. “No one should ever have to choose between paying for their prescriptions and paying rent, or putting food on the table. This premier has left the Madores behind – it’s incredibly disappointing.”

Last month, Ontario NDP Leader Andrea Horwath announced that she and the Ontario NDP will create the province’s first universal Pharmacare program, with the goal of giving drug coverage to all Ontario families.

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