For years, many relied on hospitals in nearby North Bay, Ont., for faster access to tests, specialists and follow-up care. But that cross-border access has been cut off, forcing patients to seek services deeper within Quebec and often hours away. He says the loss of access to Ontario health services is the region’s most urgent challenge. Kipawa Mayor Norman Young says easy access to health care is more important than language accessibility. “There’s no short-term fix,” he said, “other than letting people here access health care in Ontario again.”In the meantime, he says, the uncertainty is becoming part of daily life.

Source: CBC News April 04, 2026 15:32 UTC