Pass Rita’s Law: Protect Seniors in Private Care Homes

Petition to the Government of Manitoba

Rita was a resident in a private care home in Manitoba.

What happened to Rita has shaken caregivers, families and the community. It revealed serious gaps in oversight, staffing and accountability in privately operated care facilities.

No person in care should ever have to say “get off me.”
No family should have to question whether their loved one is safe.
No worker should be afraid to speak up when something is wrong.

Yet right now, in private care homes, there are no consistent or enforceable standards ensuring:

Proper staff screening
Adequate training
Safe staffing levels
Clear reporting of abuse or neglect
Protection for those who come forward
We can, and must, do better.

 
Rita’s Law Calls For:
✔️ Mandatory criminal record and vulnerable sector checks for all staff
✔️ Required training and certification in elder care and safety (including CPR/First Aid)
✔️ Enforced minimum staffing levels based on resident needs
✔️ Mandatory reporting and documentation of abuse, neglect or harm
✔️ Legal protection for whistleblowers who report unsafe conditions
✔️ Regular, unannounced inspections of private care homes
✔️ Transparency and communication with families

 
Why this matters:
Our seniors and vulnerable individuals deserve dignity, respect and safety.

Caregivers deserve proper training, support and protection.

Families deserve peace of mind.

Right now, the lack of regulation in private care facilities leaves too much room for harmand not enough accountability.

Rita’s story must lead to change.

 
Our Call to Action
We, the undersigned, call on the Government of Manitoba to:

-Introduce and pass Rita’s Law
-Establish enforceable standards for all private care homes
-Ensure protection, dignity and safety for every person in care
 
Sign This Petition
*Stand with caregivers.
*Stand with families.
*Stand for those who cannot advocate for themselves.

Sign today and help make Rita’s Law a reality.