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2-The Canadian Champion, Tuesday, June 3, 2003 Got a hot scoop? Cati 8,78- 2341 with your story ideas. COSMETIÇ AND LASER CENTREI s INCE 1980 Formerly Central Electrolysis and Laser Clinic Pleased ta offer excellence IM.- Government funding 'a must' to help compensate for losses t ram SARS on page 1 Liberal MPP Ted McMeekin, Halton's only Opposition member, said it's incum- bent upon the govemment to compensate hospitals that have taken a financial bath because of SARS. "We've talked t0 some govemnment members on this and we're hoping to gel a positive response today or tomorrow," he said yesterday moming on his way t0 Queen's Park. "And if not, we will be ask- ing the question in the Flouse (legisla- turc)." Ward 3 Councillor Cindy Lunau, a mem- ber of the HHS board, said the cosîs are ccrtainly "mind-boggling" and that hospi- taIs in Halton did what was asked of them, and did it well. Govemnment funding at this point is a must, she said. "'he key absolutely lies with what the Province is going to do," she said. "This, obviously, is a huge impact." Mr. Oliver said he understands hospitals in Use Greater Toronto area - Peel, York and Durham- have been bit financially due 10 SARS. Even hospitals outside of the GTA have suffered. Hamilton hospitals have been suffered more than $3.5 million in costs and lost revenue because of SARS. The Region 's health department reported yesterday aflemoon Usat 21 people are in home quarantine in connection 10 Use latest SARS outbreak. That's down from 58 late last week. There are also no suspect or probable cases of, or people under investigation for SARS. "The numbers are definitely going down," sajd Sharon Little, communica- tions specialist with the health department. Jason Misner (an fie reached at jmis- ner@Ctmiltoncoanadianchampion.com.