Premier Ford has stated that "We will do everything we can to protect our seniors and most vulnerable citizens because we all know they are most at risk during this pandemic," said Premier Ford. "Our three-point action plan builds on the measures we have already taken to fortify that iron ring of protection we have placed around our long-term care residents and those who care for them." (Office of the Premier)

Premier Ford admits “I think the system needs to be changed and we are changing the system but right now our main focus is to make sure we protect the people inside these long-term care homes”.  “It's a terrible virus and we have to do a better job and, at the end of the day, the buck stops with me and we'll make sure we get it fixed but my number one priority … is to make sure we put the resources that are needed into these long-term care homes.” (CTV News)

Mike Schreiner, Leader of the Green Party of Ontario, says that the "so-called ‘iron ring’ the Premier talks about has some big cracks in it, and they are costing lives." (Green Party of Ontario)

One of those cracks is that the Local Health Integration Units are still expecting Long-Term Care Facilities to admit new residents from the community.  Even with (non-foolproof) COVID-19 pre-testing and screening of such potential new residents, this practise can introduce the virus to our loved ones and the remarkable staff that care for them on a daily basis!!

THEY DESERVE MUCH BETTER!!

Please sign this petition in order to ask the appropriate government members and agencies to temporarily suspend the introduction of new residents into Ontario Long-Term Care Facilities and protect some of Ontario's most vulnerable citizens.  Help strengthen the "iron curtain", not widen the cracks in it!!