Leeds Grenville MPP Steve Clark is one who stood up for seniors in Queen’s Park, and was heard. Clark is applauding the Wynne government’s announcement to “pause” the increase contained in the 2016 budget, which were set to take effect on August 1. The move would have nearly doubled the cost of prescription drugs for 92% of seniors. But Clark says the fact that the Opposition members had to protest the increase so loudly shows that the Wynne government is out of touch with the struggles of everyday Ontarians.
The 2016 budget planned to hike the annual deductible under the Ontario Drug Benefit program to $170 from $100 for seniors above the $19,300 income threshold. In announcing the increase was being put on hold, the government committed to holding consultations on new thresholds later this year.