Ontario moves long term care commission timeline forward

DAN CEARNS, Local Journalism Initiative Reporter, for The Standard

DURHAM/KAWARTHA: Following a report from the Canadian Armed forces, on the state of certain long term care homes, the Ontario government is looking to move their review of the long term care system forward. On Wednesday, May 27th, Premier Doug Ford announced his hope of the long term care commission being established in July. “Today I’m ordering officials to expedite the establishment of an independent commission, similar to the SARS commission. The public service is currently taking the necessary steps to get the independent commission established in July,” Premier Ford said, at the May 27th press conference. “We will establish an open, transparent and independent commission. We will get to the bottom of this as quickly as possible.” The long term care commission was originally scheduled to begin its work in September. Premier Ford was asked if he would testify as a witness for the commission if requested. “Absolutely I’d appear,” the Premier responded. “100 percent I’ll be a witness.”