Although its a provincial responsibility, Premier Doug Ford is asking for outside help to fix the long-term care system.
Ford believes the federal government has a role to play in this crisis.
“We need a system standard operating procedure that applies right across the country. No matter if it’s in Quebec, or Ontario or B.C., we need a system that everyone goes by.”
Ford adds “We need the federal government at the table as a funding partner. Support us as we move forward. Help us fix this problem. We can’t fix it alone. No province can fix it alone. As Canadians we need to protect these residents.”
Five facilities in southern Ontario have been singled out for deplorable conditions but Ford doesn’t believe it’s limited to just those homes.
Ford is also refusing to pass the buck on this issue.
“We have to do a deep, deep dive. If it means people staying there around the clock, I don’t care what it takes, they can stay there around the clock and monitor these homes until we get it right.”
Prime Minister Justin Trudeau has pledged his support and a willingness to work with provincial leaders but has been short on specific details.
