The pandemic has crippled the health care system across the country and led to a major backlog of surgeries. Late last week the federal government tabled Bill C-17 which promises to give $2-billion to the provinces and territories to help deal with surgery backlogs.

Dr. Susan McDonald, president of the Newfoundland and Labrador Medical Association, estimates the amount for this province at $27-million but notes that we have a shortage of health care personnel and, in some cases, facilities such as operating rooms.

Dr. McDonald hopes people on the front lines get to have input on how and where the money will be spent.

She hears on a weekly basis from people who have thrown in the towel and are leaving the province for greener pastures. She says we have to remember that doctors and nurses are wanted everywhere in the country and beyond.

“When you work your heart and soul to the bone, and you feel like there’s no light at the end of the tunnel and that you’re not valued… then somebody dangles a nice-looking carrot… there’s a lot of people who are taking those offers,” she said.