Ontario public health officials warned of six lab closures

Ontario public health workers say the potential closure of six labs across the province is dangerous and will increase inequity and inequality in northern Ontario. They are also concerned about a proposal to end free private well water testing across Ontario.

Last fall, the auditor general again recommended that the agency close six of its public health laboratories and eliminate the water testing program to cut costs.

Ontario Public Health first proposed merging its 11 laboratories in 2017, but the government did not act.

Health Minister Sylvia Jones says the province has not made a decision on the future of the well water testing program, but declined to say whether it will close any labs.

Several municipalities and local public health units expressed their concerns about this possible closure.

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