Nipissing MPP Vic Fedeli says it was quite a surprise to read about the local NDP’s request to change the Long-Term Care Act regarding the funding of Territorial District Homes.
"It was also likely quite a surprise to the remainder of the East Ferris Council, who adopted a Resolution of support for the Casselholme expansion," Fedelii said in an emailed statement.
See:East Ferris rejects debt burden for Cassellholme expansion
The provincial NDP candidate and East Ferris Councillor Erika Lougheed, suggests that “the province should be paying its share so we can redevelop Casselholme”.
See: Foot the bill for Cassellholme NDP candidate tells Ford and Fedeli
"Perhaps she missed the announcement where the province committed $55 million for that redevelopment," added Fedeli. And perhaps she missed the most recent announcement where the province added a further $10.6 million. The additional funding is part of the province’s new funding model that helps break down historic barriers and accelerates the construction of urgently needed long-term care projects, providing seniors with the quality care they deserve."
“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 in a news release. “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.”
But Fedeli responded, "It is extremely disappointing to see the local NDP choose to play politics with an issue as critical as the very place our seniors will live – especially in the midst of a pandemic. In fact, it’s just sad."
