Ontario's Shame: Private Sector Long-Term Care

“Care Not Profits.” That is the slogan embraced by a coalition of passionate lobbyists calling for profound changes to Ontario’s Long-Term Care system in the wake of startling revelations of neglect this summer.

Cardinal Place was featured in this article in Biz X magazine. Our own Mike Cardinal was interviewed by Alan Halberstadt.

"Care not profits" is the slogan for lobbyists and protestors calling for the end of privatization of Long-Term Care Homes in Ontario.

Currently 57% of Ontario Long-Term Care Homes are run by private operators - more than in any other province.

Since the start of the pandemic, there have been 76 deaths due to COVID-19 in Windsor-Essex and 53 of those who died, resided in LTC Homes and Retirement Homes.  Yet, during this period it is claimed that three of the largest companies in the sector paid out $58 million in dividends to shareholders.

Premier Ford has appointed a commission which is investigating the findings of the Canadian Armed Forces in September. The forces visited seven LTC Homes in the province and found cockroaches, bug infestations, rotting food, soiled linens and other disturbing conditions.

Mike describes how cost cutting to increase profits in some LTCs has led to deplorable conditions.  However, he does not agree that all privately-owned LTCs should be banned.

“Why wipe out those companies that are doing a good job?” he asks.

Inspectors can quickly identify who the bad actor operators are.

Read the full article by following the link below.