Family and advocates call for Ontario action after LTC resident denied a final visit with daughter before she died

CORNWALL — Official Opposition Leader, Marit Stiles and Shadow Minister for Seniors and Accessibility, MPP Lise Vaugeois (Thunder Bay - Superior North) are urging the Province of Ontario to take immediate corrective action following a reported incident at Cornwall’s Glen Stor Dun Lodge in which a 91-year-old resident was denied an in-person visit with her daughter shortly before the resident’s death.

“No one should be denied the chance to say goodbye to their loved ones.” Said Stiles. “What happened here is a failure of leadership and accountability in Ontario’s Long Term Care system. Seniors deserve dignity and respect. Instead, this incident left them with isolation enforced through the misuse of police powers. Ford and his conservatives have known for years that residents’ rights are being violated, and it is time to end these practices and put people first.”

“The misuse of the Trespass to Property Act in long-term care homes is undermining residents’ rights and causing serious harm.” Said Vaugeois. “Ontario law is clear: care facilities are homes, not detention centres. When ministries, care operators, and police are operating under conflicting interpretations of the law, it is seniors and families who pay the price. The government must ensure clear direction, proper training, and immediate compliance with the Residents’ Bill of Rights.”

ADDITIONAL QUOTES:

“This was elder abuse, plain and simple. A daughter was denied a final kiss goodbye while police and staff stood by — and her mother died days later. The government knows the Trespass to Property Act is being misused, and instead of stopping it, different arms of the system are sending conflicting and dangerous messages. If safety is a concern, there are lawful options that require evidence and due process. What we are seeing instead is arbitrary punishment that strips seniors of their basic human rights.”

-Maria Sardelis, Access to Seniors and Disabled Advocate