Hon. Doug Ford
Premier's Office
Room 281
Legislative Building, Queen's Park
Toronto, ON M7A 1A1
Dear Premier,
As you are aware Village at St. Clair, a long-term care home in my community, is in crisis and I am requesting you take immediate action to step in and help the people in Windsor-Essex. Village at St Clair, owned by the private, for profit company Schlegel Villages, has been in outbreak since December 8th. Over 100 staff and residents have tested positive for COVID-19 in a few short days since the first positive case was confirmed and the situation has rapidly become a crisis. Two residents died yesterday. We are hearing there is little staff available to work at the home and it is in chaos.
Workers were told in order to receive an N95 mask they would have to sign a waiver releasing the home of responsibly and liability if they fail to fit properly. This is a for-profit home where they are prioritizing liabilities and profits instead of the lives of their residents and staff. The home continues to downplay the number of positive cases. The home has also closed their doors to essential caregivers and visitors, so resident’s families are left in the dark wondering how their family members are coping. The residents, families and staff are in anguish.
I am asking you to take over the management of this home, to ensure access to properly fitted N95 masks as well as additional PPE for every staff member, provide staffing support as more staff become ill and staffing levels are dramatically reduced and to issue orders along with penalties to the company for any noncompliance. Staff deserve to feel and be safe while performing their incredibly difficult jobs as front-line workers. Residents must be protected from contracting Covid 19 and receive the hands on care they need, and families must have timely and up to date communication with their loved ones and staff with regard to their loved ones care. The urgency of my request and the situation at Village at St. Clair cannot be overstated. Please step in immediately and do the right thing for these residents, their families, workers and for Windsor-Essex.
Sincerely,
(Original signed)
Lisa Gretzky MPP
Windsor West
CC: Hon. Merrilee Fullerton, Minister of Long-Term Care
Hon. Christine Elliott, Minister of Health