QUESTION PERIOD — Health
Long-term Care System
November 28, 2024
My question is for the Government Representative in the Senate.
Senator Gold, every person in Canada deserves to age in dignity, safety and comfort, whether it’s close to home and family or, if needed, in long-term care. I recognize that over the last several years, there have been significant fiscal investments in long-term care, but as a legislator, I note that the federal government has identified the development of a safe long-term care act as a ministerial mandate priority. Consultation with stakeholders concluded in 2023, a What We Heard Report was released in August 2024 and the legislation is supposed to be tabled by the end of this year.
Senator Gold, when will Parliament see the safe long-term care act?
Thank you for your question highlighting the importance of investing in and improving long-term care. The government remains committed to meeting the needs of seniors, including helping to ensure that they can access the safe, quality health care that they need and deserve.
Colleague, I’m not in a position to speculate on a timetable for the tabling of the legislation, but I can assure this chamber that work is ongoing on this piece of legislation.
Thank you, Senator Gold. The federal government also identified the development of national long-term care standards as another ministerial mandate priority. When will we see national standards so that every person in long-term care will receive safe, dignified and comfortable care?
Thank you for your question. The government has already supported the development of independent long-term care standards for the Health Standards Organization and the CSA Group with an investment of nearly $850,000. I don’t have a specific date for the promulgation of these national standards, but I can assure this chamber that the work is ongoing.
