The provincial government is trying to get a better understanding of the impacts and responses COVID-19 has had on long-term care homes.
An independent non-partisan commission will conduct a thorough and expedited review of the system beginning in September.
Dr. Merrilee Fullerton, the minister in charge, says they need guidance on how to improve a broken long-term care system.
“We want to make sure that long-term care, the issues in long-term care, are addressed. This is something that we believe as a government is a priority. It has to be. We need to address the questions that Ontarians have.”
Dr. Fullerton stresses they must act quickly and decisively.
“The scope will be defined and the details will be defined leading up to September when it’s fully announced. I want to make sure that we are transparent. Ontarians deserve answers to their questions. This is a global pandemic that has inflicted tremendous tragedy on families and long-term care facilities.”
She adds “The public will be involved in hearings and deputations. They will have an opportunity to have input. We are taking action. We are not waiting. We are the first province that is coming forward and going to have a commission involving the public.”
COVID-19 has resulted in nearly 1,400 deaths in Ontario’s long-term care homes.
