B.C. is to receive $134 million to invest in long-term care facilities for priorities such as single-bed rooms as well as better ventilation and air quality.
To address gaps in long-term care exposed throughout Canada during the initial months of the pandemic, when some homes became overwhelmed with the dead and the dying, the federal government has committing up to $1 billion, announced in last year’s fall economic statement.
Provinces and territories will set priorities for the fund.
Talking about the funding on Friday, Liberal Burnaby-North-Seymour MP Terry Beech said: “I am very proud to announce an agreement between the federal government and British Columbia for Safe Long Term Care in this province. With the agreement, British Columbia is receiving close to $134 million to invest in priority initiatives for residents in this province.”
Beech, who noted his mother works in home care while two other family members are nurses, said the money will go toward more single-bed rooms in long-term care facilities and to improve ventilation and air purity to increase comfort and reduce medical distress during periods of excessive heat or poor air quality.
“So this is going to help with the pandemic, this is also going to help with our resilience as we continue to deal and fight climate change,” said Beech, parliamentary secretary to the fisheries minister and economic development minister.
The funding will also support enhancements to furniture and fixtures that will be easier to clean to reduce the risk of infection or spread of disease as well as beds that reduce wound-pressure injuries and infections, and medical supplies.
“We owe it to those who were affected by the tragedies experienced because of COVID‑19 to act and improve things and today’s funding reflects our government’s commitment to make sure everyone living in long care facilities … is treated with dignity in their golden years,” Beech said.
It has been widely reported that Prime Minister Justin Trudeau is expected to trigger an election on Sunday by asking Gov. Gen. Mary Simon to dissolve Parliament. A federal election could take place on Sept. 20.
Asked about the timing of the announcement of the funding, Beech said the funds are already committed.
“I don’t think it’s a campaign promise because we’re delivering it today. This is $134 million — it’s being delivered and so that happens regardless of the campaign or any future campaign that might happen,” he said.
The federal government will continue to work with the provinces and territories to ensure the funds are made available where they are needed across the country, Beech said.
The prime minister has hosted virtual meetings with first ministers every month or so.
“We’ve said that we’re going to do whatever it takes for as long as it takes to make sure that Canadians can get through this pandemic and come out the other side and be ready to thrive, and that’s exactly what we’re doing today,” Beech said.
Provinces and territories are expected to publish action plans for how federal investments can support greater infection prevention and control of long-term care settings. The administration of long-term care falls under provincial and territorial jurisdiction.
B.C. Health Minister Adrian Dix said the COVID-19 pandemic has especially affected those living and working in long-term care and assisted-living homes.
“This funding for long-term care will help protect our seniors and support the people caring for them,” Dix said. “It adds to our commitment to improving care for people in long-term care, both now and in the future.”
Last September, Premier John Horgan announced a $1.4-billion decade-long capital plan to build new long-term-care facilities and eliminate multi-resident rooms, as well as providing greater oversight of private operators of senior homes.
