Huron Perth Healthcare Alliance hospitals face $39 million working‑capital deficit

A new report by the Canadian Union of Public Employees (CUPE) Ontario Council of Hospitals Unions shows that the four hospitals in the Huron Perth Healthcare Alliance – Stratford, St. Marys, Seaforth and Clinton – ended the 2025‑2026 fiscal year with a negative working‑capital balance of $39 million. The deficit represents roughly 14 % of the total $280 million shortfall across all Ontario hospitals.

CUPE researcher Doug Allan said that matching Ontario’s hospital funding to the national average would require an additional $32 million for the alliance and would allow the hiring of about 297 full‑time staff members. The alliance’s corporate communications specialist Gerry Rucchin noted that the negative balance is projected to improve to $30 million in the 2026‑2027 fiscal year, but maintaining current service levels across the province would still need roughly $750 million in extra annual funding.