After promising that there would be a review of long-term care once the pandemic was over, the province is announcing an independent commission will be carried out.

Long-Term Care Minister Merrilee Fullerton says in a statement ”an independent non-partisan commission is the best way to conduct a thorough and expedited review.”  

”Ontarians need and deserve answers, and let me assure you, they will get them.”

Opposition Leader Andrea Horwath, the Ontario Long-Term Care Association and healthcare workers union SEIU have all called for a full, independent public inquiry.

Almost 1,400 long-term care residents and five staff members have died in COVID-19 outbreaks in facilities across Canada; most in homes in Quebec and Ontario.