Health Minister Elizabeth Witmer has announced that new long term care legislation is on its way. Ministry officials have confirmed that the new Act will not only replace the Long Term Care Act of 1994, but will also roll the Acts governing long term care facilities into one. This new omnibus bill is likely to enshrine the deregulation, rationing and privatization that has characterized Harris government reform in the sector to date.

The government has not released a consultation document and has offered no evidence that it intends to conduct the broad public consultations we have been urging regarding this crucial piece of public policy. So we are doing it ourselves. Working with a coalition of organizations, the Ontario Health Coalition is sponsoring forums in seven communities across Ontario to gather input.