NDP propose to take profits out of long-term care and implement a Care Guarantee

The pandemic has shown Canadians the cost of government inaction and neglect in our health care system. Families have lost their loved ones in long-term care centers across the country. This morning, NDP Leader Jagmeet Singh outlined the NDP’s plan to take profits out of long-term care and implement a Care Guarantee for our loved ones in long-term care.

“Every Canadian, of every age, deserves to live in dignity and be treated with respect by their government and the health care system. And 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 need a government on the side of seniors, their families, and frontline health care workers – instead of on the side of wealthy investors. The NDP will continue to fight to make sure people are ahead of profits.” -NDP Leader Jagmeet Singh

North Island-Powell River MP Rachel Blaney served as the NDP’s Critic for Seniors Issues from 2017 to 2019 and recently hosted a zoom panel with BC Seniors Advocate Isobel Mackenzie and CanAge CEO Laura Tamblyn Watts.

“The stories that have emerged about seniors care during the pandemic have been heartbreaking, but sadly not surprising. I’ve heard concerns and stories from seniors and those who care for them at our townhalls, through letters, phone calls and emails, and those have all helped inform this commitment to fix the way we treat and care for our elders in Canada.” -MP Rachel Blaney

Decades of cuts to health transfers by previous Conservative and Liberal governments have hurt our health care system, and the current government has been unwilling to reverse them. The NDP plan to address the long-term care system includes a Care Guarantee with a commitment to our loved ones that they will have safe and dignified care as they age; a commitment to families that they can count on their loved ones receiving the care they deserve; and a commitment to workers who provide that care. The plan would take profit out of long-term care, create national standards of care with accountability mechanisms, and improve working conditions for care providers. It would also make supportive housing a priority under an expanded National Housing Strategy.

“It’s time to stop talking about it and wringing our hands. We need to take better care of seniors in Canada. This is a plan to do it.” -MP Rachel Blaney