NDP Leader Charges “Doug Ford has Done Nothing”

HAMILTON — “Why isn’t Doug Ford doing everything he can to make sure residents of long-term care are protected from the virus, and getting basic humanitarian help?,” asks Andrea Horwath, the Ontario Official Opposition Leader. ” We’ve heard stories of seniors having to call out to beg for water. Boots on the ground could provide more helping hands, and more comfort, to those suffering in brutally understaffed outbreaks,” continued Horwath.

“If I were premier today, I’d be on a blitz to recruit 10,000 new long-term care workers, I’d be calling in the Canadian Armed Forces, and I would deploy as much help as the Red Cross can offer.”

The NDP says that Premier Ford is avoiding having the Canadian Armed Forces enter long-term care homes.

On Wednesday, the New Democrats say Ford evaded questions from media about when long-term care homes can expect to see help from the military, then brushed off the possibility in a statement.

In December, the federal government provided Ontario funding for 20 Red Cross deployments in long-term care homes, but Ford appears to not to have used all that capacity.

The NDP, families of residents, long-term care doctors and the Ontario Health Coalition have been calling for the military to be brought in since at least December.