Dear Editor:
The performance of the government in regards to our residents in long-term care (LTC) homes is shocking. The data shows that this virus is most devastating to elderly persons, especially those with underlying conditions. The obvious course of action is to protect our most vulnerable. Has this been done? Not by a long shot.
In March, April, May, long term care homes were hit hard. In June, Premier Doug Ford said it was unacceptable and he would “get to the bottom” of it, and place an “iron ring” of protection around these facilities. And now, again, after eight months to prepare, some LTCs are in a similar or worse situation.
What has Mr. Ford done to protect the most vulnerable? He introduced Bill 218, which became law on Nov. 20. Bill 218 prevents any nursing home director or facility from facing any legal action resulting from the devastation in the LTCs, provided they followed public health guidelines in “good faith” and made an “honest effort”.
Any legal proceedings which were started after March 17, 2020, have to be withdrawn. This is Doug Ford’s “iron ring” of protection – not around the most vulnerable in our society, but around these facilities to make them immune from legal action.
Any families seeking some sort of justice for their loved ones due to the abhorrent conditions the army reported on have been snubbed, adding insult to injury. Should we have expected anything else?
Geoff Hotson,
Mount Forest