Statement from Kevon Stewart, Director, United Steelworkers District 6 (Ontario and Atlantic Canada), regarding potential closure of long-term care homes in eastern Ontario:
“The United Steelworkers union (USW) represents approximately 135 workers who provide front-line care and services to residents of The Palace long-term care home in Alexandria, Ont., and the Pinecrest long-term care home in Plantagenet, Ont., operated by Southbridge Care Homes.
Our union, and particularly our members who care for the residents of these long-term care homes are deeply concerned about the potential closure of these facilities. We’re shocked to have learned through the media about the potential loss of services and jobs that are critical to these communities.
Residents, their families and dedicated caregivers deserve better. They should be the first to hear about such plans and they should know the truth.
In response to our concerns, the company has stated that final decisions have not been made regarding its existing facilities.
However, the company has submitted a request to the Ontario Ministry of Long-Term Care, seeking a licence for a new, 320-bed long-term care home, known as ‘Southbridge Cornwall 2,’ that would be built in Cornwall. The company’s request to the provincial government shows that its proposal calls for closing three existing facilities – The Palace, Pinecrest and the Heartwood long-term care home in Cornwall.
“Heartwood, Pinecrest and The Palace will close when the new Southbridge Cornwall 2 completes development,” the licensing request states.
Our union is concerned about the short-term and long-term social and economic impacts of this proposal.
In the short-term, we’re concerned about the ability of these facilities to retain existing staff and to recruit new workers. For the long-term, we’re concerned about the potential disappearance of services that are desperately needed in these communities.
We will do everything we can, working in collaboration with municipal representatives, families and other allies, to protect these services and the residents and workers who depend on them.”
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