All Canadians deserve better, safe long-term care, regardless of where they live.
In July, the federal government launched an online consultation to inform the development of a Safe Long-term Care Act.
This followed the 2021 mandate letters which included directions to several federal ministers to develop national long-term care standards and the Safe Long-term Care Act. Tabling a Safe Long-term Care Act is also part of the supply and confidence agreement between the government and NDP.
The Association consulted with the Advocacy Program Officers (APO) whose experiences and insight from across the country informed the Association’s submission. We appreciate their time and input, as well as their dedication to members and to this rewarding volunteer role.
Federal Retirees continues to call on all levels of government to fix long-term care.
The tragic outcomes in the long-term care sector during the pandemic exposed and aggravated existing systemic problems. These systemic problems have been neglected by successive governments for decades, and action is long overdue.
Join our campaign for better long-term care today.
During the consultation, one APO remarked with exasperation, “I am quite convinced that 10 to 15 years down the road when I may be in need of long-term care, that we’ll still be talking about this, until somebody, everybody steps up to the plate.”
The Association was pleased with the announcement of new long-term care standards in early 2023, but from the outset Federal Retirees has asserted that voluntary standards are not enough to ensure significant improvements in the sector. Standards must be mandatory.
All levels of government must accept responsibility for long-term care and cooperate to effect the change we all need. Enforceability and regulation, while difficult in a federal system, are needed to ensure accountability and to make a real difference. This may be achievable by funding long-term care — with conditions.
When it comes to long-term care, Canada needs:
- More than accreditation: mandatory, enforceable standards with accountability.
- Predictable, stable funding based on compliance and evidence.
- Person-centred, meaningful engagement.
- Mandatory, transparent public reporting with independent oversight and monitoring.
- A comprehensive report that identifies the best way forward for long-term care.
Read the Association’s Safe Long-term Care Act submission.
It’s time for the federal government to take a leadership role in implementing enforceable national standards tied to funding; time for territories and provinces to unite and collaborate.
Federal Retirees will monitor for updates on the Safe Long-term Care Act — including whether the legislation responds to what thousands of our members have demanded: better, safer long-term care.
You can add your voice to Federal Retirees’ call for mandatory, enforceable long-term care standards. Join our campaign today.