| LIBERALS CONTINUE TO BREAK PROMISES TO ONTARIO’S MOST VULNERABLE |
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| Monday, 23 October 2006 19:00 |
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MPP MacLeod appalled by latest ‘say anything’ long-term health bill QUEEN’S PARK, October 24, 2006 – The Ontario Liberals have broken yet more promises to Ontario’s most vulnerable with the release of Bill 140, the Long-Term Care Homes Act. That’s according to Nepean-Carleton MPP Lisa MacLeod, who is speaking out against the Bill today. “In the 2003 election – 3 long years, and over 50 broken promises ago – the Liberals made a commitment to the people of Ontario that they would provide $6,000 in additional care for every long term care resident, and that they would ensure an additional 20 minutes of care for every long term resident,” said MacLeod. “Surprise, surprise, yet another broken promise from the McGuinty Liberals.” According to recent news reports, all 28 long-term care facilities in the City of Ottawa have long wait lists, an unacceptable number of acute care beds in hospitals are being used by patients who should be in long-term care, and the number of long-term patients taking up acute care beds is on the rise. According to MacLeod, quoting Ottawa city councillor Jan Harder, “Bill 140 does not address the real needs of our very vulnerable long-term care home residents. It adds a burden of administrative, compliance and documentation that will bleed dollars from front-line care without a significant increase in funding. For municipalities it represents yet another download of legislative requirements without the dollars to support them.” Earlier this month, MacLeod warned the Minister of Health in the Ontario Legislature of a looming health care crisis, and reported that local hospital officials have told her that surgery cancellation in Ottawa is common because hospital beds are being used by patients who should be in long-term care. - 30 - For more information: Stephen Gilman, Executive Assistant Phone: 613-823-2116 Cell: 613-297-2051 |