St. John’s, N.L. (April 2, 2025) – Barry Petten, Progressive Conservative Shadow Minister for Health and Community Services and MHA for Conception Bay South, reacted today to the most recent report from the Auditor General which exposes disturbing flaws in the oversight and delivery of care within personal care homes.

The findings in the report point to systemic issues that are putting vulnerable seniors at risk and reflect a troubling failure by the provincial Liberals to address these concerns.

“Reading the findings of the Auditor General was heartbreaking, gut wrenching, and disappointing,” said Petten. “While I know there are some great personal care homes in this province with diligent and caring staff, the picture painted by the Auditor General demonstrates that too many seniors are living in desperate and shocking conditions within their personal care home.”

Petten made specific reference to the safety of residents; noting that of the 13 homes visited by the Auditor General, 12 were found to be violating essential hiring protocols.

“I am particularly concerned that there were instances where employees had criminal backgrounds, including assault charges,” continued Petten. “In some cases, there were no records of TB tests, immunizations, and first aid certificates. Residents reported being fearful to bring up concerns, while other residents feared for their safety. That is not the kind of treatment seniors deserve.”

The Auditor General’s report also detailed disturbing cases of neglect and abuse within care homes, including residents reporting hunger, cold living conditions, and instances of unsanitary living conditions. The Auditor General found numerous cases where seniors were evicted by being dropped off at an emergency department. The report discovered that at least one resident died as a result of mishandlings of medication. Petten is calling on police to investigate these disturbing cases.

“The Liberal government was aware of many of these terrible examples of neglect. Both the Department of Health and Community Services and Newfoundland and Labrador Health Services ought to be ashamed of how seniors have been mistreated. The Liberals owe the seniors in our personal care homes not just an apology, but real accountability for their failures in caring for the seniors of our province.”