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| For immediate release LONDON –Ernie Hardeman, MPP for Oxford, attended public committee hearings in London today to hear concerns of Southwestern Ontario residents and organizations regarding the Liberal government’s Bill 140, Long-Term Care Act. “Again today I heard from representatives of the long-term care industry, residents and staff that this bill is going to make things worse in long-term care homes,” said Hardeman. “It is clear that the McGuinty government is out of touch with the seniors who live in these homes and the dedicated staff who work there.” Hardeman met with representatives of Oxford’s long-term care community on November 24 to hear their concerns about the bill. He took those concerns and approximately 200 postcards from concerned constituents to Queen’s Park. Among the many people who expressed their concerns about Bill 140 during the committee hearings today were the Oxford Health Coalition, peopleCare Inc. and the County of Oxford. “This bill does not address the real challenges the LTC sector and residents are facing,” said Elizabeth Witmer, Progressive Conservative critic for health and long-term care. “Instead it will create uncertainty as to the future of homes in the province and will reduce direct care and service to residents.” Witmer has attended the public hearings in Toronto, Kingston and London where dozens of other groups have expressed their grave concerns with the Bill. The hearings are being conducted by the all-party Standing Committee on Social Policy. One of the main concerns with Bill 140 is that it will limit licence lengths for many long-term care facilities to as little as 10 years. This makes it more difficult for homes to secure financing and upgrade their facilities and make them wheelchair accessible. It also creates unnecessary fear for seniors. “Instead of providing the funding to upgrade these facilities
the McGuinty government is making residents live in fear that their
home may close,” said Hardeman. “The government must make
investments in Ontario’s long-term care homes so seniors can
live in the comfort, safety and security they deserve.” |
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