As we all watch the daily updates from Dr. Bonnie Henry and B.C. government ministers such as the Hon. Adrian Dix here in our province, it is worth noting the responses of both the federal and provincial governments when it comes to supporting seniors and long-term care in particular.
Needless to say, as care homes are widely acknowledged as the “frontline” of the coronavirus threat in Canada today, all governments are compelled to help care providers to address the increasing financial pressures and strain on mental health.
While the federal government is making commitments in the billions to stabilize the economy and expand employment insurance, each province is taking its own measures to support the continuing care sector in the battle against COVID-19.
In Quebec, Premier François Legault said he would provide more resources to long-term care homes and seniors’ residences because elderly people are more susceptible to getting COVID-19. The province announced a $133 million fund to support seniors residences dealing with the coronavirus. Of that funding, $20 million is going to privately operated long-term care homes.
In Ontario, a significant investment of $243 million in emergency funding for long-term care was announced in the province’s recent fiscal update. This includes:
- $22.8 million for a new minor capital fund;
- $80 million to support quality of care;
- More staffing to support infection control and 24/7 screening capacity; and,
- $75 million has been allocated to supply personal protective equipment and critical medical supplies to frontline staff.
BCCPA/EngAge BC will continue to monitor any reports relating to the support of our home and community care providers and independent living operators and will report back here.
