Epilepsy Ontario asked the 4 main Ontario political parties questions about issues important to the epilepsy community. Here are their responses.

 

Question 1

Epilepsy Ontario has been advocating for several years for funding for epilepsy education and support programs that are delivered by Ontario’s Community Epilepsy Agencies. These programs are not currently funded by the Ministry of Health. These programs improve quality of life and mental health while reducing pressure on hospitals and the healthcare system as a whole. Epilepsy Ontario’s proposal would achieve cost saving in excess of the cost of funding the programs. See https://epilepsyontario.org/advocacy/provincialbudget/ for more details.

If your party forms government, would you support Ministry of Health funding for Epilepsy Education and Mental Health support programs through Ontario’s Community Epilepsy Agencies?

Ontario NDP	New Democrats understand that public health education is a critically important part of our health system. Health education can help prevent negative health outcomes by increasing awareness of symptoms, treatment, and stigma related to disabilities and chronic conditions that can result in barriers to accessing care. Andrea Horwath and the ONDP are strong advocates for public health and have stood up against the government’s cuts to public health units. We will support expanding and improving public health education on treatment and management of chronic conditions, including Epilepsy. Our comprehensive Universal Mental Healthcare plan will also expand resources available individuals and families, alleviating pressure across the health system.
Ontario Greens	Ontario Greens are strong proponents of preventative healthcare and would support programs that are focused on educating the public, reducing unnecessary Emergency Department visits and pressure on hospitals.
PC Party of Ontario	No Response
Liberal Party of Ontario	No Response

Question 2

Ontario has legislation ensuring students have access in schools to emergency medications for asthma (Ryan’s Law) and anaphylaxis (Sabrina’s Law). Currently there is no comparable legislation for epilepsy. Epilepsy is one of a number of medical conditions covered under the Ministry of Education’s PPM 161, which requires school boards to have a policy about how to support students with those diseases, but epilepsy is not covered by legislation requiring access to medication.

If your party forms government, would you support legislation comparable to Ryan’s Law or Sabrina’s Law ensuring access to emergency epilepsy medication in schools?

Ontario NDP	Yes, all children should have access to life-saving medications at school. We will work with school boards to create a policy about supporting students living with epilepsy. Previous governments have not been proactive about protecting students. The ONDP will work with pediatric health professionals and educators to establish standards and protocols to respond to children’s unique needs.
Ontario Greens	Ontario Greens would support legislation to ensure access to emergency epilepsy medication in schools similar to what exists for students with asthma and anaphylaxis.
PC Party of Ontario	No Response
Liberal Party of Ontario	No Response

Question 3

Status epilepticus is a medical emergency where a seizure does not stop or repeats without fully subsiding. If the seizure lasts longer than 30 minutes there is a risk of brain damage or death. Currently in Ontario, ambulances staffed by Advanced Care Paramedics are able to carry ‘rescue medications’ that can be administered to stop seizure activity in advance of arrival at a hospital. However, only a minority of ambulances in Ontario are staffed by Advanced Care Paramedics.

If your party forms government, would you support reviewing regulations governing the administration of seizure rescue medications by paramedics with the goal of increasing access to medications in an emergency?

Ontario NDP	Yes, we will review regulations governing the administration of seizure rescue medications by paramedics. Emergency medical service providers are capable of administering a variety of life-saving drugs. Healthcare workers should be empowered to practice to the full scope of their training. New Democrats recognize the limitations of emergency medical services due to underfunding and overcrowded hospitals. We have a commitment to improving emergency medical services across Ontario, and particularly in the North.
Ontario Greens	Yes, Ontario Greens support reviewing any regulations that prevent people with epilepsy from accessing the emergency medications they need to stop a seizure before they get to the hospital as well as to ensure the most appropriate care during Ambulance trips to hospitals.
PC Party of Ontario	No Response
Liberal Party of Ontario	No Response