Valley East may be one of the fastest growing communities in the north, but we are also gaining a reputation as a community with a chronic shortage of doctors. Hopefully, City Council took the first step in correcting that problem at the May 22 Council meeting, by approving a motion to lobby the government of Ontario to fund a Health Centre in Valley East.

According to Jackie Thoms, manager of the Northeastern Ontario Medical Education Corporation, over half of the people in Valley East and Capreol are without access to a family doctor.

Three years ago, the Valley East Council attempted to get support from the government for a similar facility, but was unsuccessful. This time, it is hoped that the government will be more receptive.

All that is needed now is a new proposal with an updated budget and needs assessment, stated Thoms.