(November 30, 2022, St. John’s) – Paul Dinn, PC Official Opposition Shadow Minister for Health and Community Services and MHA for Topsail-Paradise, is troubled by continued stories of seniors spending days alone in long-term care despite raising concerns last year.

“As we approach the holiday season I continue to hear stories of loved ones separated by a healthcare system that has no mechanisms, policies, or legislation to ensure our senior couples can spend their golden years together,” said Dinn.

“Other provinces ensure seniors can stay together, and there is no reason for our seniors to be denied the same.”

Dinn has presented petitions and raised numerous questions in the House of Assembly on this issue.

“When the government tells you, ‘I think it would be very difficult to legislate something we couldn’t deliver’, it says a lot about the capability of this government. In a province that has the oldest population in the country, priority must be given to fix this issue for seniors and their families,” said Dinn.

Dinn noted the Health Accord, governments own acclaimed blueprint for healthcare, call for immediate attention to creating age-friendly communities and the development of the needed legislation.

“The Health Accord is very clear on this. It calls for specific action to develop and implement provincial legislation, regulation and policy required to provide appropriate, quality, and accessible care and protection for older persons in Newfoundland and Labrador,” said Dinn.

Newfoundland and Labrador is one of the few provinces without legislation specific to long-term care or care of the elderly.

Contacts:

David Maher

Director of Strategic Communications

(cell) 709-725-0984

DavidMaher@gov.nl.ca