The Scott Report
Date: February 1, 2007
Topic: Bill 140

Bill 140 - Long Term Care Homes

As your Member of Provincial Parliament for Haliburton-Victoria-Brock, I am pleased to have the opportunity to provide you with a regular update from Queen’s Park.

Many of you may have already heard or even provided your thoughts on Bill 140, the proposed legislation governing Long Term Care Homes in Ontario. This Bill will combine three other Acts which currently apply to Long Term Care Homes.

Bill 140 recently went through two weeks of open committee hearings. I have also personally met with concerned residents, caregivers, administrators and family members as well as the Ontario Long Term Care Association. They would like to see changes to the proposed Bill to ensure that it meets the needs of providing proper care for the residents of Long Term Care Homes.

I have also heard from the Royal Canadian Legion who have asked that the Bill be amended to ensure that the mandate of the office of the Ontario Ombudsman be expanded to include Long Term Care issues. The purpose of this proposal is to provide the Ombudsman clearly stated powers and protect the rights of our most vulnerable citizens who reside in Long Term Care Homes.

Another concern of the proposed legislation is the need of a capital funding commitment for the renewal of nearly 36,000 long term care beds that date back to1972. There are Long Term Care Homes in our riding that require upgrading and expansion and need this type of capital commitment.

We understand these issues and as I am writing this hundreds of amendments are being presented in order to address those concerns that have been brought to our attention. It will be up to the government to see that these proposals are implemented and we will know shortly how it responds.

Residents who move into Long Term Care Homes are in need of care, not simply a place to live. It is my hope that Bill 140 will be amended and that our most vulnerable seniors and their dedicated caregivers can be assured that the care and dignity of Long Term Care residents is the best it can be.

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