Canada – Government of Canada Invests more than $6 million to Support Canadians Living and Working in Long-Term Care in Prince Edward Island
Today, the Honourable Patty Hajdu, Minister of Health, announced an agreement with Prince Edward Island to provide it with more than $6 million for Safe Long-term Care. This funding will support the improvement of infection prevention and control in Prince Edward Island’s facilities that deliver long-term care.
August 12, 2021 | Ottawa, Ontario | Health Canada
The COVID-19 pandemic has highlighted long-standing challenges in Canada’s long-term care (LTC) facilities. Gaps have been exposed in infection prevention and control, staffing and infrastructure, with tragic effects on residents, their families and those working in these settings.
That’s why, in the 2020 Fall Economic Statement, the Government of Canada committed up to $1 billion through the Safe Long-Term Care Fund to help provinces and territories to improve infection prevention and control in long-term care, such as hiring additional staff and wage top-ups, new or renovated infrastructure, including ventilation, and readiness assessments.
Today, the Honourable Patty Hajdu, Minister of Health, announced an agreement with Prince Edward Island to provide it with more than $6 million for Safe Long-term Care. This funding will support the improvement of infection prevention and control in Prince Edward Island’s facilities that deliver long-term care by:
Enhancing education and training for long-term care staff;
Establishing an infection prevention and control program within private sector facilities;
Replacing aging and outdated equipment; and
Upgrading infrastructure, including the installation of new ventilation systems and the conversion of double rooms to single rooms.
“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 to Prince Edward Island reflects our commitment to make sure everyone living in long-term care receives safe, quality care and is treated with dignity.”
The Honourable Patty Hajdu
Canada’s Minister of Health
“Better infection prevention is vital to keep seniors and those working in long-term care homes safe. Today’s investment in infrastructure, equipment, training and programming will better protect those in Prince Edward Island’s long-term care homes. By working together with provinces and territories, the Government of Canada is improving seniors’ quality of life.”
The Honourable Deb Schulte
Canada’s Minister of Seniors
“Islanders living in long term care facilities in Prince Edward Island deserve top quality, safe and compassionate care, especially as we continue through the COVID-19 pandemic. This funding announcement is another example of what can be accomplished through a strong, collaborative relationship between the federal and provincial governments.”
The Honourable Ernie Hudson
Minister of Health and Wellness for Prince Edward Island
“We have a shared moral responsibility to protect those living in long-term care. We’ll keep working with the government here on Prince Edward Island to improve the quality of these facilities, and investments like this one will make them safer for the folks who call them home.”
The Honourable Lawrence MacAulay
Minister of Veterans Affairs and Associate Minister of National Defence
Thierry Bélair
Office of the Honourable Patty Hajdu
Minister of Health
613-957-0200