$54k not a lot of money according to Chair of Erie-St. Clair LHIN

The Erie St. Clair Local Health Integration Network (LHIN) has not had a stellar week. First they scrapped the $9,500 appearance of two Disney consultants who were scheduled to speak next month at the LHIN’s annual leadership conference in Windsor. Then CEO Gary Switzer lashed out at criticism from PC leader Tim Hudak, telling the Windsor Star “this guy is making this crap up and it’s false. I don’t think the public is stupid enough to believe him.” When the newspaper suggested the comments were “inappropriate” and “unprofessional,” Switzer offered up an apology to the community – not to Hudak – before departing on vacation. Finally, the LHIN Chair, Mina Grossman-Ianni, sparked outrage when she defended her 29 per cent increase in the part-time stipend she receives. The Chair said that $54,000 was not a lot of money. The provincial Tories pointed out that this money could have covered a year’s salary for a rookie nurse, 154 wheelchairs, 27 MRI exams or 1,350 pairs of crutches. Per diems for the rest of the LHIN board totaled $64,450 last year. The board also received $127,811 in expenses according to the Windsor Star.