CARP Cautions Against Callous Cuts

For Immediate Release

TORONTO, ON – CARP is calling on Toronto City Council to abandon its ill-considered cuts to city-run Long-Term Care funding. While Mayor Tory has called for “across the board” decreases from all departments in the 2017 operations budget planning process, CARP questions the logic in reducing funding at the same time as the needs of Toronto seniors are on the rise.

“We know Torontonians value the seniors who made this city what it is today. Why is Mayor Tory attempting to balance the budget on the backs of the frail and vulnerable? Wait times for care facilities are unacceptable and existing centres are in need of upgrades. We need an investment in more and better long-term care, not arbitrary reductions. Taking $1.8 million away from existing budget levels shows an absence of both common sense and compassion.” said Wanda Morris, CARP VP Advocacy & COO.

City budget-staff report that efficiencies found would offer ‘no level of service reductions’. While CARP recognizes the importance of spending tax dollars judiciously, CARP calls for any savings from efficiencies found to be reinvested in improving the amount and quality of care available.

With thousands currently on waiting lists, long-term care availability is already at a crisis point. The number of Torontonians over 75 is predicted to nearly double over the next two decades, so the situation will only get worse.  We encourage the Mayor and Council to look beyond the next election and invest in the infrastructure needed for today and the years to come.

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For more information:

Wanda Morris
VP Advocacy & COO
CARP
email: [email protected]