Long-Term Care Homes Bill Short on Solutions
Barrett laments lacklustre bill leaves long-term care facilities in the lurch

Queen’s Park— Haldimand-Norfolk-Brant MPP Toby Barrett says the government’s proposed Long-Term Care Homes Act lacks dedication to funding and support for Ontario’s most vulnerable residents.

“This bill fails to address the real problems faced by long-term care facilities,” Barrett claimed. “Currently 36,000 seniors are lying in antiquated beds. Convicts in prison eat better quality meals. No regulations exist to protect residents from extreme temperature fluctuations, which is enough to threaten the well-being of those in perfect health. I see no plan to rectify these unfortunate conditions.”

Barrett wholeheartedly agreed with the statement from the Ontario Long-Term Care Association in calling for legislation that treats long-term care residents with dignity, respect and offers them the comfort they can call “home.”

“Bill 140 promises that nursing care must be available 24/7. This is a promise made nearly two years ago,” Barrett continued. “This legislation doesn’t provide any way of producing enough nurses or caregivers to actually fulfill this promise”

Barrett concluded by calling for substantial solutions and significant change and said that long-term care residents deserve as much respect as anyone else.

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For more information, please contact MPP Toby Barrett at: (519) 428-0446, (416) 325-8404, or 1-800-903-8629