TORONTO – Steven Del Duca, Leader of the Ontario Liberal Party, pledged to reverse the decision of Doug Ford’s Conservatives to deregulate Traditional Chinese Medicine and acupuncture.
“Doug Ford’s surprise deregulation of acupuncture & Traditional Chinese Medicine will not only undermine public confidence in qualified practitioners, it undermines the safety of those relying on these health services,” stated Del Duca.
“This was a direct attack on the Asian community, and especially the Chinese community, and Ontario Liberals will reverse it. The failure of Doug Ford and his Conservatives to consult with these regulated professionals and their patients was disrespectful and wrong. Doug Ford and the members of his caucus supporting this move can no longer be trusted after this shocking betrayal,” Del Duca added.
Doug Ford’s new Bill 88 repeals the Traditional Chinese Medicine Act, which gave the College of Traditional Chinese Medicine Practitioners and Acupuncturists of Ontario regulatory, licensing and enforcement authority in the province. The bill places the college under the control of an administrator tasked with “winding up” its operations.
“Maintaining access to safe, quality care from trained practitioners must be a top priority,” added Del Duca. “Only an Ontario Liberal government will reverse the repeal of the Traditional Chinese Medicine Act immediately upon taking office. We will be true allies that the community as a whole can trust.”
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