Tories accuse NDP of scuttling private clinic

Last Updated: Monday, June 18, 2001 | 6:26 PM ET

CBC News

There were more calls from the Opposition Monday for the government to sign a contract with a privately run surgical center in Winnipeg.

The Maples Surgical Center is up for sale.

• From June 14, 2001 Private health clinic up for sale

Conservative leader Stuart Murray said in the Legislature the centre's attempt to sell services to the government was thwarted by the NDP – because the party opposes private clinics.

Murray says hundreds of Manitobans are waiting for dental surgery and the Maples clinic could help meet that demand. "Our public facilities are not able to keep up with the growing demand. A collaboration between the private sector and the public sector could reduce waiting lists and improve patient safety. How can this premier deny Manitobans improved access to health care by refusing to enter into contracts with private facilities?"

For his part, the Minister of Health accuses Murray of being an advocate for private centers that make money from health care. Dave Chomiak says two-thirds of dental surgeries are already done at private centers and the government has already increased the number of dental surgeries since coming to office a year and a half ago.