For Submission
Wednesday November 22, 2006

Long-Term Care Homes Act, 2006 – Less Care and More Rules

A few weeks ago, on October 3rd, the Minister of Health and Long-Term Care introduced a Bill entitled, “Bill 140, An Act Representing Long-Term Care Homes.”

There probably isn’t anyone reading this who would argue that the focus of Long-Term Care Homes is to provide our vulnerable citizens and seniors the dignity, respect, and quality of life they deserve.

This is what concerns me most about Bill 140.

One of the many promises the McGuinty Liberals made during the 2003 election was increased funding of $6000 and 20 minutes of additional daily care for each long-term care resident.

Although highly anticipated in the months leading up to the introduction of the legislation, Bill 140 breaks that promise to the frail and vulnerable members of our society.

Many local residents, caregivers and family members have signed petitions, which I have presented to the Legislative Assembly, directly referring to their concerns with Bill 140 and calling for the McGuinty Liberals to fulfill its promise to each resident.

The fact of the matter is that Bill 140 increases vulnerability for long-term care residents and their caregivers, while at the same time threatening the number of long-term care beds, especially in rural Ontario. Bill 140, in its current form, will alter care and place tremendous uncertainty and insecurity on long-term care homes, their staff and most importantly, their residents.

I recently met with several caregivers and residents of local long-term care homes. They clearly feel that the government has not listened to the voices of residents, families, staff, volunteers and others in drafting the Long-Term Care Homes Act. They, along with many other concerned care-givers and their families call Bill 140 a “Care-less” act.

Bon Air Residence and Frost Manor are two of over 300 homes in rural Ontario where over 35,000 residents live. Many of these are older homes with three or four bed wards. Under Bill 140, they are directly affected by the limited licensing provisions. The McGuinty Liberals provide no commitment to the funding required for the structural renewal of these homes.

Residents who move into long-term care homes are in need of care – not simply a place to live. Bill 140 puts the emphasis on paperwork and processes, reducing the time focused on caring for residents.

Amending Bill 140 before it becomes law, along with the government committing to begin the structural renewal of older homes will provide residents, families and their dedicated caregivers the reassurance that the focus remains where it should be - caring for the needs and the dignity of residents of long-term care homes.

The PC Members of the Legislature will be calling for those amendments to Bill 140.

For more information or to sign the petition contact my office at 705-324-6654 or online at www.lauriescottmpp.com/petitions.htm

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