As the Member of Provincial Parliament for Simcoe–Grey, it is an honour and privilege to be part of the re-launch of the Because of YOU campaign in support of the redevelopment of Stevenson Memorial Hospital (SMH).
Providing world-class health care to Ontario families is a top priority for our government. We are committed to providing Ontarians in communities of all sizes across our great Province with access to high-quality care in modern, state-of-the-art facilities. SMH is an essential part of Ontario’s health care system, and its redevelopment is an important and powerful example of what can be achieved through partnership and collaboration.
The redevelopment process is a long and complex one with numerous phases. It is an iterative process led by the SMH Board and supported by the SMH Foundation working with the Ministry of Health and the Ministry of Infrastructure to get the best possible health care outcome for our community.
I want to congratulate the SMH Board, the SMH Senior Administration Team and the SMH Foundation for their tieless work and commitment to getting Stage 3 approval and tendering the design of the redevelopment. Our Government recognizes the important work you have done together with the support of the community. That is why we are investing over $14 million in the early works phase of the redevelopment to lay the foundation for a hospital that will serve our thriving and growing community well into the future.
The SMH Foundation has and continues to play a vital role in moving the redevelopment forward by ensuring the SMH Board has access to the funds it needs to make this state-of-the-art redevelopment a reality. We all know that the SMH Foundation is doing an incredible job and that this work is the life blood that will bring the vision of a modern, best-in-class, patient-centered hospital to life.
The success of the Because of YOU campaign is a critical aspect of the Foundation’s ongoing work. With thoughtful planning and tireless dedication, the Foundation’s staff and volunteers continue to lead with passion, working closely with the SMH Board, the community, and the generous donors. Their vision: to inspire community giving for hospital excellence is truly the face of this redevelopment project.
But they cannot do it alone. I encourage all residents of Simcoe–Grey to get involved and learn how you can support the SMH Foundation in its important work. Because when you invest in the SMH, you are investing in the health and well-being of your neighbours, of your community, and of our future.
To the leadership, staff and volunteers of the SMH Foundation: thank you. Your dedication, resilience, and deep commitment to our community have been, and will continue to be, the life blood that will bring this transformational project to life and make the SMH a place where community, care and compassion truly come together.
Yours Very Truly,
Brian Saunderson
Member of Provincial Parliament, Simcoe–Grey
