The system is broken and the Province can do better to protect its Long Term Care (LTC) residents against Covid-19.
That from Premier Doug Ford this afternoon when asked if the Province has failed the residents.
Today it was reported that more than 500 people in LTC facilities have died so far during the pandemic in Ontario.
Ford became emotional at today’s press conference after being asked the question.
“When I see the font page of the Toronto Sun and you see a loved one with their elderly parent and they put their hand up against the window….. that’s heartbreaking,” answered Ford, his voice beginning to quake. “I relate to it in our own family as I mentioned with my wife Karla….. and the person that got on a cherry picker……uhm…. anyways, the system – we can do better.”
Following today’s conference it was confirmed that Ford’s mother in law, a resident at West Park Long Term Care Home, had tested positive for the virus.
Today Prime Minister Justin Trudeau too said that the Federal government needs to do more to protect LTC residents.
This afternoon the Premier also confirmed that the Federal government has approved the Province’s request for Canadian Armed Forces personnel to be deployed to five Toronto area LTC facilities where the need is thought to be the greatest.
“We have to do a better job and at the end of the day the buck stops with me,” said Ford.
To watch Premier Doug Ford’s full April 23 Address, see below.