TORONTO, September 27, 2017 – CARP applauds Ontario’s Minister of Health and Long-Term Care, Dr. Eric Hoskins, for introducing new legislative amendments, which if passed, will strengthen protections for Ontario residents in long-term care. Under the proposed legislation, the province will be able to levy significant fines against those who fail to protect the residents in their care from abuse or harm.
“Every year, thousands of residents in long-term care facilities across Canada are abused or neglected. I’m pleased that the government is taking bold action to significantly increase consequences to care providers who fail to adequately protect the residents in their care,” said CARP’s VP of Advocacy, Wanda Morris.
The government announced that it would introduce two new provincial offences: 1) failure to protect residents from abuse and neglect; and 2) failure to comply with an order. All offences will carry enhanced maximum fines, including up to $500,000 for subsequent offences, compared to the maximum fines under current legislation of $200,000.
| Provincial Offences: Fines | |||
| Current Legislation | New Legislation | ||
| Individuals | First Offence | Up to $25,000 | Up to $100,000 |
| Subsequent Offence | Up to $50,000 | Up to $200,000 | |
| Corporations | First Offence | Up to $50,000 | Up to $200,000 |
| Subsequent Offence | Up to $200,000 | Up to $500,000 | |
“Individuals and institutions have repeatedly failed to protect our frail elderly. The threat of fines of this severity should serve as a strong incentive for all care facilities to protect those in their care,” said Morris.
The government also announced new enforcement tools, including ministerial powers to stop admissions to a home that is non-compliant with provincial rules and regulations, and in extreme cases, revoke an operator’s license.
CARP is a national, non-partisan, non-profit organization that advocates for financial security and improved health care for Canadians as we age. With over 300,000 members and nearly 50 chapters across Canada, CARP plays an active role in the creation of policy and legislation that impacts older Canadians. CARP works closely with all levels of government and collaborates with other organizations to advocate on health and financial issues.
