“Unacceptable delays from MTO’s medical review section costing drivers their jobs and mobility”

Ontario NDP Transportation Critic Wayne Gates said that report by the Ontario Ombudsman proves that the Liberal Government needs to fix the Ministry of Transportation’s Medical Review Section.

“People are losing their jobs and their mobility because the MTO won’t sign off on a doctor’s clean bill of health in a timely fashion,” said Gates. “No one wants unsafe drivers on the road, and medical suspensions are sometimes necessary, but when a doctor confirms that someone is fit to drive, the MTO needs to reinstate those licenses as soon as possible. A driver’s license is not a luxury. People depend on their driver’s licenses for their jobs and mobility.”

In 2014-15, Ontario Ombudsman Andre Marin received 243 complaints about the ministry’s Medical Review Section, up from 141 the previous year – a 72% increase.

The Liberal government warns drivers to anticipate a wait of up to six weeks for reinstatement after a medical suspension, but quite often it takes much longer. Gates said his constituency office has received numerous complaints from drivers facing needless delays, including a truck driver who had been forced to wait over two months for reinstatement until Gates’ office assisted.

“Luckily this driver had a good employer who held the job for him, but he was still without an income for five weeks” said Gates. “For many people, if they can’t drive they lose their jobs.”

“The government is not hiring enough doctors to conduct the reinstatement reviews,” said Gates. “These delays are costing people their jobs. If people can’t work, it costs all of us more in the long run. The Liberal government needs to fix this.”