Scathing Military Report on Long Term Care Homes in Ontario will be Released to the Public

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Tuesday, 26 May 2020 14:15

ONTARIO - The Province of Ontario is going to release a report from the Canadian Armed Forces on the five long term care homes at which the military has been assisting.

Premier Doug Ford says it was one of the hardest reports he has ever had to read.

"The reports they provided us were heartbreaking, they were horrific, it is shocking that this can happen here in Canada, it's gut wrenching and reading those reports was the hardest thing I have done as Premier, knowing that so much more needs to be done. But what I am feeling, what we all are feeling is nothing in comparison to the hardship these residents and their families have had to endure. So please, pray for these residents, pray for their families."

Ford says the health and safety of the residents and staff in our long-term care homes is our number one priority.

"It is clear the long-term care system in Ontario must be fixed. The report from the Canadian Armed Forces on these five long-term care homes is extremely troubling. Our government will take immediate action to investigate the concerns raised by the Canadian Armed Forces to ensure the safety of our residents in these five long-term care homes and in homes across the province."

Ford explains why he made these reports public.

"As hard as this is for everyone, as hard as it will be to hear some of these details, I believe that the public needs to see these reports, you need to know exactly what I know, you deserve to know, what I know as Premier, that is why I ordered these reports to be released in our priority."

On April 22, the Ontario government formally requested assistance from the federal government in the form of the Canadian Armed Forces to support five long-term care homes that were in crisis. These homes were amongst the hardest hit in Ontario with COVID-19 outbreaks and had significant challenges that could not be rectified through various efforts. Those challenges included: staffing, infection prevention and control, resident safety, food preparation and janitorial services.

On May 10, the Canadian Armed Forces reported 15 out of 20 categories being in high-risk. As of May 25, based on the Canadian Armed Forces assessment, 13 of these 15 categories were no longer considered high-risk.

The Ontario government is once again calling on the federal government and the Canadian Armed Forces to extend their current mission for at least an additional 30 days.

The government has already begun an active investigation based on the Canadian Armed Forces report. To date, one death has been referred to the Office of the Chief Coroner for investigation. In addition to continued regular inspections, the Ministry of Long-Term Care Inspections Branch will immediately investigate specific critical incidents referred to in the report.

In addition, the government recently announced it will be launching an independent commission into Ontario's long-term care system beginning in September. The government also continues to work with hospital partners to assist long-term care homes across the province with clinical, infection prevention and control, and other supports.

The reports will be made available for public consumption soon.

You can listen to full statement from the Premier below.