Provincial election hopefuls in London are busy this week, but the Heart and Stroke Foundation is asking them to take just a minute to think about healthcare costs.

The foundation is asking candidates from all parties to “go healthy” this election and register as a Healthy Candidate. The designation means candidates have committed to fighting for more government investment to make Ontarians healthier.

Health Promotion Specialist Christine Hurtado says that’s also a promise to help prevent chronic disease.

Hurtado says if candidates don’t take action healthcare costs could rise 80% by 2030. Healthcare is already Ontario’s largest budget strain.

So far, London-North-Centre candidates Judy Bryant and Deb Matthews, along with London-Fanshawe contenders Marcel Marcellin and Chris Robson have signed a commitment as Healthy Candidates:

The Foundation’s website includes a form where you can challenge your candidate to “go healthy”. You’ll find it HERE.