My question is to the Premier.

Last year, we learned that Orchard Villa, owned by Southbridge and one of the worst private long-term-care operators in our province, wants a 30-year licence renewal. Now Southbridge wants an MZO from the province to expedite a planned expansion. Pickering council saw first-hand the neglect at this company and firmly said no to their plan at a recent council meeting.

Will the Premier listen to the concerns of residents, families and the city of Pickering, or does he plan to renew these dangerous for-profit homes with a 30-year licence renewal and fast-tracked expansion?

Back to the Premier: The Premier wants to build more beds, but under a private, for-profit owner-operator, those are just more beds for seniors to die in.

To the minister and the Premier: Look at the history of this company—military intervention, bedbugs, a staff shortage, rotten food, residents left in soiled diapers, a class action lawsuit. Eighty residents died, some from dehydration. It seems likely the government will not only grant them a 30-year renewal, but are advocating for them to expand further.

We know the public, not-for-profit system is safer. How can the Premier justify even considering renewing the Orchard Villa licence? How can you even consider that?

I’d like to introduce Richard and Sandra Bradley from Save the Minden ER. And there are two other Minden residents up above who are also with Community Living Ontario.