Ajax-Pickering MP Mark Holland opposed the merger of the Ajax Pickering hospital with Centenary hospital in Scarborough when he was on Pickering council "because I feared exactly what's transpiring." The merger occurred in the late 1990s by a restructuring commission put in place by the Mike Harris government. Mr. Holland feared services would move from Durham to Scarborough, and that it would become a satellite hospital.

Although it's up to the Province, not the federal government, he feels it's important all elected members speak out on the issue.

"We need to get the board to reverse its decision," he said.

Mr. Holland said his office has received many letters, e-mails and phone calls since the plan to move 20 beds from the Rouge Valley Ajax and Pickering hospital to Centenary, and noted "everyone I've talked to is united in this."