More than 3,000 people, including hundreds of Londoners, have rallied in front of Queen’s Park to protest proposed changes to the province’s health care system.

The demonstration, which began at noon on Friday, is in response to concerns the province is looking at contracting hospital services out to private clinics.

“Every Canadian has grown up in the last 50 years within a system where everything in their health system is publically financed,” explains Co-Chair of the London Health Coalition, Peter Bergmanis.

“We cannot afford as individuals to possibly pay out of pocket the kind of fees that take place when you go into a private for profit clinic system.”

Bergmanis was among 24 Londoners who shared a bus Friday morning to head to the event, which will see participants march down University Avenue in Toronto.

“This has been percolating for some time but it’s being done in the back corridors of Queen’s Park,” says Bergmanis

“It’s not being debated on the floor of the Commons. Since we’re the people who have paid for it and through generations have built up our community hospitals we deserve to have a say in these matters.”

Demonstrators are carrying banners and using noise makers and live music to help raise awareness for their cause. It’s unclear when the rally is expected to wrap up, though Bergmanis believes the London crew will be there until at least 2 p.m. Friday.

To view photos from the event go here