Two years into the pandemic and Liberals continue to let seniors suffer: NDP

NDP Leader, Jagmeet Singh, the following statement:

"The pandemic has been devastating for seniors living in long-term care and the workers who support them. Canadians were horrified to learn about the horrible conditions they were forced to endure. These homes, especially the for-profit ones, were often understaffed, and had inadequate PPE and other necessary supplies to keep residents and staff safe.

By allowing these homes to put profits ahead of the care of our loved ones, the federal government failed to protect our parents and grandparents from losing their lives. Things were so bad, the military had to be sent in to help address the urgent crisis. We're now two years into the pandemic and the Liberals have done little to improve the situation, leaving our loved ones in long-term care still waiting for help.

Almost a year ago, the Liberals and Conservatives teamed up to vote against an NDP bill that would have helped address these urgent problems and prevented these improvements from being made. Which means more of our loved ones and those who care for them have had to suffer as a result.

The Prime Minister promised to be there for Canadians for as long as they needed help. Instead, he has consistently chosen to protect the profits of wealthy long-term care companies, while abandoning seniors and workers.

The NDP has long been calling for national standards of care to be established and for the profit to be removed from the long-term care system. These steps are essential if we’re going to fix the glaring gaps that exist and make sure Canadians are being well looked after.

After years of unnecessary delay, it's a positive step that the Liberal government is finally agreeing to establish national standards of care. Families need to know that their loved ones are safe in long-term care facilities, and that they’re getting the very best care possible. We will carefully review the proposed standards to ensure they meet what’s needed and are effective.

New Democrats will always be on the side of seniors, their families, and frontline health care workers."