BRAMPTON, Ontario: Gary Anandasangeree, MP for Scarborough-Rouge River, Sonia Sidhu, MP for Brampton South, Yvan Baker, MP for Etobicoke Centre, Jennifer O’Connell, MP for Pickering-Uxbridge, and Judy Sgro, MP for Humber River-Black Creek, on Wednesday sent a joint letter to Ontario Premier Doug Ford in regards to the long-term care homes in these respective ridings.
One of these long-term care homes, Grace Manor, is located in Brampton South.
“The stories and examples of abuse described by the soldiers stationed at these homes are simply unacceptable. We are calling for the immediate establishment of a full public inquiry led by independent experts. There is no excuse for the conditions reported. Lack of proper use of personal protective equipment, mistreatment of residents, and poor facility conditions must be addressed to stop this crisis,” the MPs said.
They added that a full public inquiry is a critical step in ensuring that a tragedy like this can never happen again and that seniors in Ontario get the care that they deserve.
They asserted: “As Members of Parliament representing five communities with long term care homes that have been devastated by COVID-19, we will continue to advocate for compassionate care.”
“Members of the Canadian Armed Forces are doing an incredible job, just like always. They are serving with distinction for our grandparents, our parents, our elders. In Ontario, they’ve made some extremely troubling observations about several long-term care facilities in which they’ve been serving, and we’ve shared this information with the provincial government. As I’ve said many times, we need to do a better job of caring for the people who built this country,” said Prime Minister Justin Trudeau.
“The observations made in long-term care facilities in Ontario are deeply disturbing and unacceptable. We stand ready to assist all provinces to ensure residents are cared for with the dignity and respect they deserve,” said federal Health Minister Patti Hajdu.
Sidhu said: “As the COVID-19 situation has continued to evolve, the stories coming out of long-term care homes have been heart breaking. I would like to thank the CAF for their service to Canada and their bravery in coming forward with this report. Those responsible must be held accountable as the situation described is not acceptable.”
