Pubdate: Fri, 29 Sep 2006
Source: Packet & Times (CN ON)
Copyright: 2006, Osprey Media Group Inc.
Contact:  http://www.orilliapacket.com/
Details: http://www.mapinc.org/media/2397

NURSES LASH OUT AT SPENDING CUTS

Toronto - Ontario nurses are lashing out at recently announced 
spending cuts by the federal Conservative government.

In an open letter to Prime Minister Stephen Harper, the Registered 
Nurses' Association of Ontario says the cuts will impact various 
programs and hurt minorities.

They claim high rates of smoking in aboriginal communities will go 
unchecked with the elimination of funding for the First Nations and 
Inuit tobacco strategy.

They also take aim at money cut from the medical marijuana, Health 
Canada policy research and court challenges programs.

The nurses say cuts to the court program will hurt minority groups 
like aboriginals, gays and lesbians, and people with disabilities who 
may want to challenge federal laws that discriminate against them.

The Conservative government announced they'd be cutting about a 
billion dollars in federal spending earlier this week.
- ---
MAP posted-by: Elaine