Representatives from Health Providers Against Poverty and the Association of Ontario Health Centres will hold a press conference at Queen’s Park on Thursday, November 5 to call for legislated paid sick days for all workers.

As the Ontario government’s Changing Workplaces Review continues, health sector leaders have mobilized to demand changes to employment standards . No worker in Ontario has a legislated right to a paid sick day. In addition, more than 1.6 million workers have no access to job protected emergency leave.

With the start of the flu season, the Ministry of Health and Long-term Care will soon warn people to stay home when sick. But under the province’s current sick day policies too many workers are forced to go to work sick in order to avoid losing pay.

What: Press conference, Photo Opportunity and Interview Availability

Where: Queen’s Park Media Studio, Ontario Legislature

When: November 5, 2015 12:30 p.m.

Who:                 

• Dr. Andrew Pinto, Health Providers Against Poverty. Public Health Specialist and Scientist at St Michael’s Hospital, Toronto
• Axelle Janczur, Executive Director, Access Alliance Community Health Centre
• Dr. Danyaal Raza, Family Physician at Sumac Creek Health Centre at St. Michael’s Hospital, Toronto. Advisory Board Member, Upstream

Photo Opportunity:  The speakers will unveil a public statement signed by over 700 health care workers.

Interview Availability: An emergency doctor, and workers with firsthand experience of the challenges that result from unpaid sick days will be available for media interviews.


Health Providers Against Poverty is a province wide alliance of health providers who are committed to addressing poverty as a health issue. The Association of Ontario Health Centres  (AOHC) is Ontario’s voice for community-governed primary health care representing 109 organizations. Upstream is a not-for-profit organization that works with the growing body of evidence on social determinants to guide recommendations for health policy change

Porte-parole français disponible

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For further information contact:

Jacquie Maund, Association of Ontario Health Centres

[email protected]  Tel. 647-294-5724