Yukon’s long-term care homes received federal funding to hire more staff and restock on personal protective equipment.
“Today’s funding to Yukon reflects our commitment to make sure everyone living in long-term care receives safe, quality care and is treated with dignity,” said Patty Hajdu, the federal health minister, in a statement on Aug. 13.
The federal investment of $3 million is part of the Canadian government’s $1 billion Safe Long-Term Care Fund, as promised in its 2020 fall economic statement.
The funding is geared toward hiring new staff, topping up wages and updating infrastructure, including ventilation, in long-term care homes across Canada.
“Seniors in the Yukon, and across Canada, have felt the weight of this pandemic more than most. They have been cut-off from their friends and family and are worried about the high risks of infection for their age group,” said Tracy-Anne McPhee, Yukon’s health minister, in a statement.
“While the Yukon has not had a COVID-19 outbreak in our long-term care homes throughout the pandemic, we know that we need to continue to stay vigilant in protecting our seniors.”
Contact Gabrielle Plonka at gabrielle.plonka@yukon-news.com