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Windsor

Independent commission to look into COVID-19 in long-term care homes

The Ontario government has announced an independent commission into the way COVID-19 has spread through its long-term care homes.

As of Monday, outbreaks have been declared at 189 of Ontario's 630 long-term care homes.

Minister of Long-Term Care Dr. Merrilee Fullerton said the commission would begin its investigation in September.

"We have been clear the long-term care system is broken," she said. "The commission will get down to work and provide us with guidance on how to improve the long-term care system and better protect residents and staff from any future outbreaks."

The government will finalize the details over the coming months, including the commission's terms of reference, leadership, and when it will report back to the province.

NDP leader Andrea Horwath said an independent commission isn't enough. She said a full public inquiry must be held.

“The Ford government is digging in their heels by insisting they’ll hold a government-controlled commission instead of a public inquiry,” said Horwath. “A government-controlled commission is just a review —a back-room process that won’t give long-term care residents and their families, seniors entering care, and loved ones of COVID-19 victims the voice they deserve, the respect they deserve, or the major overhaul to long-term care that all long-term care residents need and deserve.”

Last month, Premier Doug Ford requested the Canadian Armed Forces to help with operations, general assistance, and medical care at five facilities.

Almost three-quarters of all COVID-19 related deaths in Ontario have been in long-term care homes. A total of 1,394 residents and five staff members have died. Among them, Brian Beattie, a registered nurse at Kensington Village in London, who died last week.

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