MPP Burch’s legislation will protect vulnerable persons in supportive living

QUEEN’S PARK – Ontario NDP MPP Jeff Burch (Niagara Centre) will debate the Protecting Vulnerable Persons in Supportive Living Accommodation Act today. The bill would require all supportive living homes to be licensed, which would help prevent unsafe or inhumane living conditions.

“Many Ontarians rely on supportive living homes to provide an extra level of care and support,” said Burch. “They should be safe places to call home, but a lack of oversight has left the residents of some homes suffering inhumane conditions that no one should be subjected to.”

In 2022, a Toronto Star investigation found horrifying conditions in some supportive living homes, including bed bugs, rodents and piles of rotting garbage.

“By passing my bill, we can work together to ensure that supportive living accommodations are always a safe option for people who need help to live independently,” said Burch. “These regulations are common-sense and long overdue.”

Burch was joined at Queen’s Park by Welland City Councillor, Bonnie Fokkens, and Carolyn Fast, Project Coordinator for the Welland Neighbourhood Project.

MPP Burch tabled Bill 38 in November 2022. The bill will be debated in second reading today.

Quotes

Chris Beesley, CEO, Community Living Ontario

“If passed, Bill 38 will provide much-needed regulation and oversight of supportive living operators that have flown under the radar for far too long and will provide for increased safety and security for people with disabilities.”

Bridges Community Health Centre Statement of Support

“Bridges Community Health Centre fully supports MPP Burch’s proposed legislation to establish a framework to ensure that minimum standards of care are established in private supportive living homes. Safe, affordable housing is a basic human need. It is also an important social determinant of health. As a health care organization that works with many vulnerable populations, we see, firsthand, the poor health outcomes that many individuals living in these facilities suffer.

Thorold Professional Firefighters Association IAFF Local 1182

“MPP Burch has shown considerable persistence and fortitude in his efforts to ensure our communities continue to become a safer place for the citizens of this province. Bill 38 would be an incredible step forward for all Ontarians who are in need of supportive living. This Bill would give much needed peace of mind to the Families knowing that each operator will be licensed and certified to provide the care that is needed. MPP Burch and Bill 38 have the full support of Thorold Professional Fire Fighters Association local 1182.”