ONTARIO – As Canadians recover from the COVID-19 pandemic, Government of Canada officials say they are looking to address the existing challenges that were made worse for many Canadians, including those living in long-term care (LTC) homes.
On April 21, Jean-Yves Duclos, Minister of Health, and Kamal Khera, Minister of Seniors, announced the signing of the Safe Long-Term Care Fund (SLTCF) agreement with Ontario.
Through this agreement, Ontario is receiving more than $379 million from the $1 billion investment made in the 2020 Fall Economic Statement (FES).
“We have been working closely with LTC facilities locally throughout the pandemic as they have been going above and beyond to provide support for our seniors, who have been disproportionately impacted,” said Guelph MP Lloyd Longfield.
“I am so pleased to see the federal government sign this agreement with Ontario, which will lead to improved patient care and outcomes.”
Since its introduction in FES 2020, SLTCF has helped provinces and territories to improve infection prevention and control in LTC homes across the country.
Official say Ontario, with this funding, has built on existing projects in LTC homes by funding the following initiatives:
– support for retention measures for existing staff;
– support for an adequate supply of personal protective equipment (PPE) for staff and visitors;
– support for strengthened infection prevention and control measures and training;
– virtual care tools and services for LTC home residents and staff;
– support for regular testing of staff and visitors; and
– support for vaccine administration, providing hotels and other accommodations to staff to reduce travel pressure and potential exposure to families.
Government of Canada officials say they will continue to work collaboratively with the provinces and territories to “drive positive healthcare outcomes for Canadians.”
The government recently announced funding of $2 billion to help provincial and territorial partners significantly reduce the backlog of surgeries delayed because of COVID-19.
By focusing on these areas, officials say the federal government is working to ensure the health care system is better suited to keeping everyone healthy and safe.
