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QUEEN’S PARK – Tonight in the Ontario Legislature Ernie Hardeman MPP for Oxford raised concerns of long-term care residents and providers about the Liberal government’s Bill140, Long-Term Care Act. “It is hard enough for many seniors to move from their own house into a long-term care home,” said Hardeman. “Then for the Liberal government to create uncertainty around the future of that home is unfair and unacceptable.” Under Bill 140 over 300 long-term care homes with a total of almost 30,000 residents will only receive a 10 year licence. The government must give homes three years notice of closure so long-term care facilities may learn in as little as seven years that they will be closed. The potential that these facilities may be closed at the end of the licence period creates unnecessary fear for seniors. It also removes some of the incentive for upgrading and makes it more difficult for providers to secure long term financing to upgrade the facilities. “Rather than uncertainty long-term care homes need a real plan and funding to improve standards for the thousands of people who are living in homes with 1972 living standards,” said Hardeman. Under the Conservative government 20,000 new long-term care beds were created and 16,000 of the lowest classed beds were upgraded. “I am calling on the government to do the right thing. Make long-term investments in Ontario’s long-term care homes so our seniors can live in comfort and security as they deserve,” said Hardeman. - 30 – For more information, contact:
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