New kids at the Park: Q+A with KWT

Also: Ford breaks silence on hospitals, Fraser officially takes the Liberal reins, Ministers staff up, Steini steps down

ABOVE THE FOLD

KRISTYN WONG-TAM and I talked about navigating party politics as the rookie MPP — yet seasoned politician — learns the ropes at Queen’s Park.

But first — Premier DOUG FORD breaks his silence on the health care crisis.

Speaking to reporters in Stratford on Wednesday, Ford said the government will be issuing a directive to the College of Nurses that will speed up accreditation of international nurses to help deal with staff shortages.

The personnel problem is bubbling over. About two dozen hospitals have had to scale back or close their operations over the long weekend, including emergency rooms, because of the shortages. Toronto General Hospital issued a “critical care bed alert” as ICUs were full or lacked the staff to keep beds open.

“We’re throwing everything and the kitchen sink at this,” Ford said, acknowledging “we’re in need of more nurses” but insisting that “Ontarians continue to have access to the care they need when they need it.” Ford also pointed a finger at…