Ontario ombudsman launches long-term-care probe

Investigation to focus on adequacy of government oversight during crisis

TORONTO—ONTARIO’S ombudsman launched an investigation Monday into the province’s pandemic oversight of longterm-care homes, where more than 1,600 residents and seven staff members have died of COVID-19. Ombudsman Paul Dube said he is starting the investigation not because of receiving complaints, which is the usual process for his office, but because of what he read in a recent military report on five long-termcare homes in Ontario.

“The Canadian Armed Forces report painted a stunning portrait of the situation in longterm care during this crisis,” Dube said. “Our investigation will look at the systemic issues that led to it, and will make constructive recommendations for corrective action.”

The investigation will focus on whether the government oversight has been adequate to ensure the safety of residents and staff during the COVID-19 pandemic, he said.

According to the Ministry of Long-term Care, 1,648 residents have died amid outbreaks in the facilities.

Ontario called in military assistance for five homes dealing with outbreaks in April. Members said they observed cockroach infestations, aggressive feeding that caused choking, bleeding infections, and residents crying for help for hours.

Investigators with the ombudsman’s office will look at aspects of the system including complaint handling, emergency planning, data collection, infection and death rates and communication with longterm-care home residents, staff and the public.

Premier Doug Ford said he welcomes the investigation.

“I need answers,” he said. “I want answers. We need to get this fixed and we’re going to get this fixed.”

Ford has also said Ontario has launched a “full investigation” into the allegations in the military report and will share the results with police so they can look into any possible criminal charges.

Meanwhile, Ontario reported 404 new cases of COVID-19 on Monday, and 10 more deaths.

Dr. Barbara Yaffe, associate chief medical officer of health, said more than half of the new cases were from Toronto and the neighbouring Peel region.