For Immediate Release
August 2, 2006

BAIRD & POILIEVRE DELIVER ON HOSPITAL CAMPAIGN PROMISE
Queensway Carleton Hospital's rent reduced to $1 per year

(Ottawa) - The Hon. John Baird, MP for Ottawa West-Nepean, and Pierre Poilievre, MP for Nepean-Carleton, delivered on their campaign commitment today by announcing that the rent paid by the Queensway Carleton Hospital (QCH) to the National Capital Commission (NCC) will be reduced to $1 per year effective immediately.

"Canada's new government committed to making healthcare a top priority," said Baird. "As a life-long Ottawa resident, I am thrilled to announce today that the future of the Queensway Carleton Hospital is secured for decades to come. Our hospital plays an integral role in our community, and it means a lot to me personally to be able to deliver on this key election commitment."

The QCH currently sits on land owned by the NCC, a federal crown corporation, and has been paying an annual rent of $23,000 a year. The rent was poised to climb much higher in 2013 when the lease was set to expire and the NCC was preparing to charge a new rate based on market levels. A renewed lease could have potentially cost the hospital millions of dollars - money that Baird and Poilievre have argued would be better spent on patient care. The change brings the hospital into sync with the majority of hospitals on municipal land across Canada that either pay $1-a-year rent or have the land they sit on transferred to them.

"The previous Liberal government told us this couldn't be done," said Poilievre. "Together, with all of the letters, petitions and support from our community, we fought back and won. Now our Hospital can devote all of its financial resources into providing our community with top-quality health care."

Baird made the highly anticipated announcement with Poilievre, surrounded by elated hospital staff, patients and local residents at a celebratory "Dollar BBQ" on the front lawn of the hospital.

"The efforts of Baird and Poilievre to get this deal done for the hospital is the best gift we could ask for," said Tom Schonberg, President and CEO of the Hospital. "Bringing financial certainty to the Queensway Carleton Hospital will mean more money to care for people today, plus financial certainty for tomorrow."

For further information please contact:

Amanda Galbraith
Office of the Hon. John Baird
613-957-2666