BARRIE - SEIU Local 1 Canada and a group of retirees held a rally outside the office of MPP Aileen Carroll, Minister Responsible for Seniors, today to call attention to the lack of regulation in retirement homes.

SEIU retirees delivered petitions with hundreds of signatures and personal letters demanding the provincial government regulate retirement homes now.

"Without regulation, companies can make up their own rules which lead to substandard living and working environments,” said SEIU Local 1 organizer, Tyler Downey.

Retiree Anthony Sargeant agrees, "Our seniors health and well being are at risk if retirement homes are not regulated"

The consultations were conducted in 2007 and there were hundreds of submissions - here is the link if you need more info

In 2006 the government of Ontario stated in its budget “The government will continue to improve efficiency and accountability by engaging in formal consultations in 2006/07, through the Ontario Seniors’ Secretariat, with the goal of establishing a new regulatory framework for strengthening standards of care in Ontario’s retirement homes.” In 2007 a province wide survey on the issue of regulating retirement homes was conducted. Hundreds of submissions were received and meetings were held throughout the province yet no action has been taken.

Our seniors are at risk everyday when employers are not held accountable to certain standards. The province understands this but must act upon it.

For more information please go to: http://www.culture.gov.on.ca/seniors/english/programs/rhc/