Behind the scenes at the nurses' meeting

Plus: NDP convention primer, Balagus accused of partisan no-no, the all-premiers' meeting, convoy prep

ABOVE THE FOLD

As nurses prepare for round two with Premier DOUG FORD and Health Minister CHRISTINE ELLIOTT next week, the head of their association warns they won’t be strung along. It comes after the PCs sat down with the Ontario Nurses’ Association Thursday (and after some earlier back-and-forth).

While both sides said the first meeting was productive, there’s still lots of bones to pick for the ONA — especially when it comes to staff retention.

In an internal memo to members, obtained by Queen’s Park Observer, ONA president CATHRYN HOY said she’s “hopeful” the next meeting will result in a “firm commitment” to repeal wage-capping Bill 124. But “I want to be clear: we will not be strung along with endless meetings.”

“We will not back down on this demand,” Hoy went on to say. “This is not just a money issue; it’s about respect for us, respect for our professions and respect for Ontarians who deserve the best health care possible.”

“Premier Ford agreed that nurses and health profess…