Hello <<First Name>>,
As this week comes to a close, I am reflecting on the sombre news from the Canadian Armed Forces report and the troubling claims of the horrible conditions found in several long term care homes throughout Ontario. It was difficult to read, but I am thankful to the Canadian Armed Forces for their work in stabilizing the situation and shining a light on the deplorable condition that our seniors have been faced with for decades. No one could have predicted this pandemic, but advocates, family members and workers have been speaking up about the conditions that allowed for the rapid spread of the virus for years. We cannot ignore those voices any longer. I am proud to support our party's call for a full, transparent, independent public inquiry into the state of long term care in Ontario. We can't take half-measures like the governments proposed commission, which will freeze out the voices of family members, and their experiences.
We also need the government to take much stronger action in addressing the worsening situation at other homes in the province. We learned this week that the province has identified 19 "red' long term care homes struggling under the strain of COVID-19. However, the government has refused to release the list so that families and residents can be informed of the risk. We will continue to urge the government for transparency and to consider taking over more poorly run private facilities. For more on this issue, please read Andrea Horwath's press release below.
After several weeks of dismal testing numbers, we are finally starting to see an increase in tests. That momentum needs to continue and needs to be targeted at communities that are seeing an elevated number of cases. We have been pressing the government to institute a range of solutions to address the problem including mobile testing units and increases in asymptomatic testing in congregate settings. We still have very far to go on this issue, but we are committed to playing a constructive role that relies on the best advice of public health officials.
On a final note, my office has been hearing from many seniors who did not receive OAS or GIS supports that was recently announced by the federal government. I have been in touch with my federal counterpart and will report back when we know more as to the expected date of that payment. I am also hearing from many on ODSP and OW who are beginning to experience clawbacks at the hands of the province. You should know I am continuing to advocate for individuals dealing with disabilities in York South—Weston, including increased support to protect those who are most vulnerable.
My friends, there is more work to be done, and I know I can count on York South—Weston to do their part. Wash your hands vigorously and regularly, maintain a safe social distance, and stay home if you can. If you have mild symptoms or fear you may have been in contact with a positive case, find your way to the nearest assessment centre, and get tested. Through our collective effort, we will defeat this virus.
As always, my office is here to help. Please call at 416-243-7984, or email us at fhassan-co@ndp.on.ca.
Take care, stay home, and wash your hands.
Best Regards,
Faisal Hassan
Member of Provincial Parliament
York South—Weston
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Each level of government has useful information to support you during this crisis. For more information, visit the resources below:
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News Release
Ford must stop concealing list of 19 “red” high-risk long-term care homes
QUEEN’S PARK — Premier Doug Ford today confirmed he has a list of 19 “red” long-term care homes in dire straits, but refuses to release that list of homes so that families and residents know where the worst problems are. NDP Leader Andrea Horwath released the following statement, demanding that list be made public:
“Keeping secret the list of the highest risk homes in Ontario, especially during a pandemic, is ludicrous. Just like the previous Liberal government, which kept a secret list of high-risk long-term care homes, Doug Ford’s PC government is failing to be transparent — one of the ongoing problems that has contributed to the devastating crisis in long-term care.
Ford needs to do the right thing, stop concealing the facts, and make the list of “red” long-term care homes public and accessible online for families, experts and local decision-makers to see.”
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I would like to acknowledge and thank Gus, the owner of Eggsmart on Weston Road. He recently prepared and donated 40 breakfasts to frontline workers at Humber River Hospital. Kudos to Gus and all the local York South—Weston businesses stepping up to support the community!
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Local food security organization Foodshare is partnering with United Way to provide 250 balcony garden kits in Neighbourhood Improvement Areas, including York South—Weston. This would include irrigated planters, soil, seeds and more. If you or someone you know is interested in participating, please use the sign-up form HERE.
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I would like to congratulate Rory McGuckin, the TCDSB Director of Education on his retirement. Mr. McGuckin has served the TCDSB with honour and distinction for over 35 years. His knowledge and experience will be missed. Enjoy your retirement!
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