September 21st, 2020
September 21st, 2020
QUEEN’S PARK – The Ontario NDP pressed Doug Ford for answers on Monday after more COVID-19 deaths were reported at Extendicare West End Villa, a for-profit long-term care (LTC) home in Ottawa.
During question period, France Gélinas, the Official Opposition Health critic, said Ford is failing to take action for workers and seniors at Ottawa’s West End Villa despite knowing about the home’s ongoing tragedies.
“Workers at the facility are now coming forward, explaining that they could not access proper personal protective equipment,” said Gélinas. “The premier was told over and over again that overworked staff in long-term care were unable to access the equipment they needed to protect themselves and their residents, and he promised it would never happen again.
“Why is it that the staff at this LTC home, are still reporting that they are not able to access the personal protective equipment they need to stay safe?” Gélinas asked Ford, and called on him to take responsibility for seniors that are still dying at West End Villa and in long term care.
West End Villa is suffering the most severe outbreak of any facility in the city where 11 residents have died. At least 52 residents and 26 staff have tested positive for COVID-19 at the long-term care home.
Joel Harden, Ottawa Centre MPP, said Ford has sided with companies like Extendicare instead of seniors, staff and families who need his help now. “Premier Ford has talked a lot, but when it comes time for action, he doesn’t listen to families who are suffering and who have spoken out time and time again,” said Harden. “Instead he listens to well-connected Conservative lobbyists working for companies like Extendicare.
“His failure to act knowingly leaves overworked staff vulnerable to COVID-19 without the protection they need to keep seniors safe from harm. Ford needs to act now to prevent any further tragedies at West End Villa and in long-term care.”