Question Period (26 October 2023)

From Hansard (26 October 2023)

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 Closure of Seniors Care Homes

Mr. Love: — Mr. Speaker, the fact is that seniors across this city are being kicked out of their homes without notice and this government is doing nothing. There was nothing for seniors in this Speech from the Throne. Families and residents are worried about where they will go next.

What does the minister have to say to the family members and residents at Parkview Villa, Princess Villa, Precious Memories Villa about the fact that they are losing their homes?

Hon. Mr. T. McLeod: — Thank you, Mr. Speaker. And let me just begin by saying we value our seniors, and ensuring that our seniors receive quality care is a priority for this government, Mr. Speaker.

Yesterday I had the opportunity to meet with the families and some of the staff that were from the facilities that the member opposite mentioned. We recognize that they are going through a very difficult time, Mr. Speaker, and we are committed to assisting the residents and the staff in any way that we can as they are impacted by the decision of Orange Tree.

Mr. Speaker, as the Premier mentioned, it’s unfortunate the members opposite don’t seem to understand the difference between personal care homes and long-term care homes. The personal care homes are private businesses that are run by private companies offering a service to seniors, Mr. Speaker. As the regulator of those facilities, we certainly expect that the operators will treat our seniors with full respect.

Thank you, Mr. Speaker.

Mr. Love: — I’ll remind that minister that we know the difference and so do the people who came to their legislature yesterday. And they didn’t come here to celebrate that minister. They came to point the finger at him and his failures to keep seniors in their homes.

Mr. Speaker, these homes aren’t the only ones closing. The Regina Lutheran care home is being closed because of this government. When we asked about it last week, that minister changed his story and said that the SHA had assessed the building and found that taking over the home wasn’t viable. Families and residents are not buying it. They love their home, and they want to stay there.

Will the minister table that assessment in the Assembly today?

Hon. Mr. T. McLeod: — Thank you, Mr. Speaker. And as I met with the families yesterday from the Orange Tree homes, I also met last week with the families from the Regina Lutheran Home.

Mr. Speaker, our government takes the resident care very seriously, and our expectation is that SHA and management at Regina Lutheran will work closely with the residents and their families to explore all options available in our long-term facilities. And, Mr. Speaker, the SHA is committed to doing that work. Thank you.

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