Update:
The Ontario government launched an independent commission into COVID-19 and long-term care.
Three commissioners will investigate how COVID-19 spread within long-term care homes, how residents, staff, and families were impacted, and the adequacy of measures taken by the province and other parties to prevent, isolate and contain the virus.
The commission will also provide the government with guidance on how to better protect long-term care home residents and staff from any future outbreaks.
Three commissioners have been appointed for the expertise and experience they bring to addressing the commission's mandate:
- Associate Chief Justice Frank N. Marrocco (Chair) ― appointed to the Superior Court of Justice in 2005 and holds a distinguished career practising criminal law and civil litigation law spanning 33 years.
- Angela Coke ― served as a former senior executive of the Ontario Public Service where she spent more than 27 years committed to the transformation of government operations, consumer protection reform, and the development of a strong professional public service.
- Dr. Jack Kitts ― served as President and CEO of The Ottawa Hospital from February 2002 until his retirement in June 2020. He is known nationally for his focus and expertise in patient experience, performance measurement and physician engagement.
The commissioners are expected to deliver their final report by April 2021.
Original story:
Premier Doug Ford is scheduled to make an announcement at 1 p.m. today from Queen's Park.
According to a media advisory issued by the provincial government, Ford's announcement will concern the launch of an independent commission into COVID-19 and long-term care.
The premier will be joined by Dr. Merrilee Fullerton, Minister of Long-Term Care to make the announcement.
