(October 26, 2022, St. John’s) – Barry Petten, PC Official Opposition House Leader and MHA for Conception Bay South, says Health Minister Tom Osborne had the chance to disclose a second long-term care centre in our province facing issues of inappropriate photos taken of residents – but chose not to.

Last week, MHA Petten asked Min. Osborne to launch a review of long-term care facilities to ensure the issue is not “widespread” throughout health authorities.

“Instead of taking the opportunity to be transparent with the people of Newfoundland and Labrador, the Minister chose to sit on his hands. Now, we learn two weeks ago the Minister was aware of the issue being more widespread. He only disclosed the matter when cornered by media,” said Petten.

“The Minister hasn’t taken this issue seriously. When we asked for a review of long-term care, he flippantly suggested we ask the Seniors Advocate. The Seniors Advocate has since publicly called for a review of long-term and personal care. Now the Minister is slow with disclosure of this serious issue.”

Petten says the Minister needs to explain why he has been so slow to act on this important matter.

“Our seniors deserve dignity and respect in our long-term care homes. So many families have loved ones in the system. These stories are concerning and upsetting to anyone with connections to long-term care. That’s why disclosure and an understanding of the Minister’s response is so important,” said Petten.

“What safeguards are in place for families and residents to be able to report any incidents they may have become aware of? Every measure must be taken to protect residents of our long-term care facilities. Now that we understand the matter is more widespread than initially thought, will the Minister commit to a larger review of long-term care in Newfoundland and Labrador?”

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Contacts:

David Maher

Director of Strategic Communications

(cell) 709-725-0984

DavidMaher@gov.nl.ca