Less accessibility in northern Ontario

The cancellation of Greyhound trips in Western Canada and northern Ontario is causing health concerns for those in the affected communities. In Ontario, the move affects seniors who can no longer drive to their medical appointments. Since Nov. 1, Greyhound stopped service between Sudbury and Thunder Bay, affecting cities like Sault Ste. Marie and Terrace Bay. Carol Huard, chief nurse at Thunder Bay’s McCausland Hospital (Terrace Bay), says the change makes it difficult for people in these rural communities. “We have a lot of elderly people. We have a lot of people who don’t like to drive in the city anymore. They would essentially be stranded without the Greyhound,” says Huard. In Terrace Bay, more than half of the 1,600 residents are 50 years or older. Some can no longer drive or rely on their children, who have gone to work in the big cities, adds Huard. (CBC Northern Ontario, Oct. 26)