Statement by Lisa Levin, CEO of AdvantAge Ontario, which represents 500 providers of long-term care, seniors’ housing, supportive housing and community service agencies:
“The Auditor General has made it clear that Government must address price gouging by some temporary staffing agencies. This is an issue that our organization brought to the public’s attention earlier this year. We now know the problem is pervasive. It touches more than just not-for-profit long-term care homes.
It is deeply troubling that spending on temporary staff is eroding care in LTC homes.
Government must act now to stop temporary staffing agencies that are price gouging. That starts by capping agency fees.
Ontario is in the midst of a health care system staffing crisis. We can’t have a system where some staff are being paid twice or three times what others are earning for similar work.
We are also very concerned with issues around culturally-specific care.
The Auditor General’s report demonstrates there is not enough culturally-specific care to meet demand. We believe other process changes need to happen as well, especially ones that prioritize cultural admissions.
We are encouraged by Government’s interest in addressing this issue and look forward to seeing a solution.”
AdvantAge Ontario
For more than 100 years, AdvantAge Ontario has been the voice of not-for-profit seniors’ care in Ontario. We represent 500 providers of long-term care, seniors’ housing, supportive housing and community service agencies, including 98 per cent of all municipal long-term care homes and 83 per cent of all not-for-profit long-term care homes.
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Contact:
Chris Noone
Manager, Communications and Member Services
W: 905.851.8821 x 253
cnoone@advantageontario.ca
