Premier Doug Ford says he was “shocked” by Justin Trudeau’s “off kilter” comments on the long-term care system
The Prime Minister answered a reporter question Thursday on the problems plaguing long-term care during COVID-19 saying “it’s a provincial jurisdiction and it’s them that have failed our seniors.”
Ford quickly fired back.
“Put your money where your mouth is. Help us out. We can’t do it alone. Support us. He’s been very supportive by the way but I’m a little shocked with his comment to be very frank with you. We’re supposed to be all in this together? Let’s all be in this together!”
Ford says the provinces need support and a partnership, noting they are working as hard as they can.
He adds “When we talk about the health transfer funds that we’re getting. It’s supposed to be a real partnership. Some provinces are getting as low as 18%. We’re getting about 20%-22%. That’s not a partnership. We’re putting the whole burden of the healthcare system, which is massive in Ontario, on our shoulders.”
The remarks come after a Canadian Institute of Health study found that Canada’s long-term care residents accounted for 81% of all reported coronavirus deaths country-wide, compared to an average of 42% in 16 other developed nations.
