Erika Lougheed, the NDP candidate for Nipissing, is calling on MPP Vic Fedeli and the Ford government to foot the bill for the redevelopment of Casselholme's long-term care home.
Lougheed currently serves as a municipal councillor in East Ferris. The municipality recently rejected picking up the tab for what it sees as a provincial responsibility.
See:East Ferris rejects debt burden for Cassellholme expansion
“Our municipalities shouldn’t have to choose between putting off redeveloping Casselholme long-term care home and taking on crushing amounts of debt,” said Lougheed. “COVID-19 revealed that long-term care is in crisis, and the last thing the government should be doing right now is shortchanging a system that is already failing seniors.
“The province should be paying its share so we can redevelop Casselholme, but Doug Ford and Vic Fedeli just don’t want to spend the money. Instead, they’re offloading their responsibility and telling our municipalities: you’re on your own.”
Board Chair Chris Mayne told BayToday that Cassellholme, on behalf of the member Municipalities, would welcome any additional funding or improved financing terms from the Province. He says it is in the process of working toward that.
"As Board Chair and a Council member for the City of North Bay, I believe Cassellholme and staff have done an exceptional job in serving our residents. One fact in particular is that although the province is committing to four hours of care for residents, our home already delivers over 3.5 hours of care per resident because of the support of the province and partner municipalities.
Mayne added that this current government has committed far more to the project than ever before.
"Along with enhanced funding, the speed in which the process has moved in the last year or so seems unprecedented. We are receiving support from our local MPP and mayors in efforts to help expedite the construction of Cassellholme. When originally proposed the Province has budgeted $250,000 in upfront Capital toward the redevelopment but within the last few months has now raised that to $6.61 million which will save significant long term financing dollars.
Mayne says the greatest current challenge is finding care givers like PSWs, RPNs and RNs that possess "the clinical abilities and more importantly the passion for people in order to ensure the best aging/care experience."
The a global pandemic has placed additional financial burdens on all levels of government, says Mayne.
"Any financial enhancement to improve the living environment, staffing, and quality of care is obviously welcomed. “
BayToday contacted MPP Fedeli's office for comment and he has promised one for tomorrow.
