(NDP Press Release, April 1, 2011)
Jack Layton is deceiving Canadians on the campaign trail by promising an NDP government will hire 1,200 doctors and 6,000 nurses for $25 million per year. Here’s what he’s saying:
“We’ll work with the provinces and territories to hire 1,200 doctors and train thousands of nurses and nurse practitioners over the next ten years.” (Sudbury campaign stop, April 1, 2011)
“We’re inviting people to join with us so that in the first 100 days of an NDP government, we would hire more doctors and nurses.” (Toronto campaign stop, April 23, 2011)
“We can’t wait until then to start fixing what needs to be fixed. We say let’s hire doctors and nurses now for family medicine, all over the country.” (English Leaders’ Debate, April 12, 2011)
Not so fast, Jack. Here’s the reality:
As one of his top five promises, Jack Layton says he will “hire” 1,200 doctors and 6,000 nurses for $25 million per year – which amounts to an annual salary of $3,472 per year. Is that enough to hire 7,200 new medical professionals? Not a chance, Jack.
If Canada could solve the doctor and nurse shortage across Canada for $25 million per year, it would have been done long ago.
Either Jack Layton doesn’t understand what he’s talking about or he’s willfully trying to deceive Canadians. Which is it Jack?
Jack Layton is using fantasy money to pay for fantasy promises he can’t fulfill. He has already backed away from his green promises and fessed up to a $3.6-billion hole in his platform – even though he signed his signature to it.
