NDP Critic for Health and Long-Term Care France Gélinas is thrilled the Ombudsman is launching an investigation into the McGuinty Liberals’ mishandling of long-term care.

“Ontarians will be glad to finally see actions being taken to stem the tide of horror stories in long-term care. The McGuinty Liberals may have tried to block scrutiny of their failings, but I am thrilled the Ombudsman has found a creative way to investigate their mishandling of the long-term care file,” said Gélinas, MPP for Nickel Belt.

Gélinas has introduced a bill to give the Ombudsman jurisdiction to investigate hospitals and long-term care homes. To date, the McGuinty Liberals have refused to allow Ombudsman oversight despite the fact that 75% of long-term care homes are not meeting government standards.

According to the Ombudsman Andre Marin’s office, five other provinces and territories allow Ombudsman jurisdiction of long-term care homes. Despite Ontario barring Ombudsman oversight, Marin’s office receives many serious complaints every year that cannot be investigated. A total of 276 complaints about hospitals and long-term care homes were received in 2007-2008.

“Under the McGuinty Liberals’ watch, Ontarians have seen no improvements in long-term care. I look forward to seeing the results of the Ombudsman’s investigation into the McGuinty Liberals long-term care failures. Perhaps then - because of the Ombudsman’s intervention - Ontarians will finally see a real revolution in long-term care,” said Gélinas.