The politician brought up the issue in Question Period Tuesday in light of the motion that’s been tabled by Regional Chair Gary Carr that, if ultimately passed by regional council, could block future development until hospital capacity is improved.

Chudleigh asked Minister of Health David Caplan if he understands the severity of the situation in Halton.

Caplan in turn blamed the former PC government, saying it “did not take even a moment’s notice or any bit of effort to get (the hospitals) moving along.”

But Chudleigh said the Ministry of Health, under a PC government, was involved in the planning process for local health care that aimed to see projects completed by 2008-09.

Recently, Halton Healthcare Services learned that the Province is delaying construction of the new Oakville hospital by 13 months. Milton District Hospital (MDH) is also facing a capacity crisis and is waiting for provincial government approvals for its expansion.

Chudleigh said Carr’s motion is a serious one that could have “disastrous” effects on the local economy. “But I understand where the Region is coming from and I think their protest is valid.”

The petitions started by Chudleigh, which call for the immediate expansion of MDH and completion of Trafalgar Memorial in Oakville, can still be downloaded and signed at www.tedchudleigh.com .