Assure the Safety of Long-Term Care Facilities for Concerned Ontarians

Today during Question Period, Ontario NDP Leader Andrea Horwath called on the Liberal government to review oversight measures for long-term care homes in the province, and to reassure family members that their loved ones are safe following shocking allegations of murder at Woodstock and London facilities. 

“While this is perhaps the most graphic, serious and tragic example of abuse and mistreatment in the long-term care system, this heartbreaking incident is not the first,” said Horwath. “Ontarians need to know exactly what is being done by the Premier to ensure that something this horrific and heart-breaking never happens again.”

Horwath said that Ontarians are seeking clarity about provincial oversight procedures. While being mindful not to impede or compromise the ongoing police investigation, Horwath urged the Premier and the Minister of Health and Long-Term Care to conduct an immediate review. Although Kathleen Wynne declined to respond in detail, citing an ongoing police investigation, the NDP Leader was encouraged by the Premier’s openness to undertaking  “an independent review or an inquiry” into the long-term care system “at some point” in the future. 

New Democrats echoed concerns from Ontarians with family members in long-term care facilities who want to know how it is possible that alleged murders inside long-term care homes in Ontario can go undetected for seven years.

“There are 78,000 Ontarians in long-term care right now, and that means 78,000 families are looking to the Premier for reassurance about their loved ones,” said Horwath. “When will the Premier be taking action to ensure that Ontario has the most effective—the most effective possible—oversight and monitoring of our long-term care facilities?”

 

Andrea Horwath calls on the Liberal govt to review oversight measures for long-term care homes https://t.co/HfSA8SGvGC #onpoli pic.twitter.com/2HEtrz2wWy \n— Ontario NDP (@OntarioNDP) October 26, 2016