Statement from David Caplan, MPP

The following statement is from David Caplan, MPP Don Valley East.

It has been a tremendous honour and privilege to serve as Ontario’s Minister of Health and Long-Term Care. Over the last 15 months, I have worked hard to strengthen and improve Ontario’s health care system. I am proud of the progress our government has made and the results we have achieved.

Ontarians need their government to continue to drive for results in reducing ER wait times and increasing access to family health care. Ontarians also need to know that their government is using their tax dollars responsibly and that their politicians hold themselves accountable when that does not happen.

I have had the opportunity to review the Auditor General’s final report on eHealth Ontario. It is clear from the Auditor General’s report that the Electronic Health Record initiative has not had the level of oversight that I, and the people of Ontario, would expect.

It is for this reason that I have informed Premier Dalton McGuinty that I am stepping down as Ontario’s Minister of Health and Long-Term Care, effective immediately. This was not an easy decision to make, but it’s the responsible thing to do.

Ontarians should have tremendous confidence in their health care system. Our health professionals are some of the most dedicated and qualified in the world. It has been an honour to work with them on behalf of the people of Ontario.

Yours, David Caplan