Ontario launches independent commission into COVID-19 in long-term care homes

The provincial government announced details of an independent commission into COVID-19 in long-term care homes.

Associate Chief Justice Frank N. Marrocco, who led the Walkerton inquiry, will chair the commission.

“The people of Ontario deserve a timely, transparent and non-partisan investigation,” said Merrilee Fullerton, Minister of Long-Term Care.

“That is why our government is launching this independent commission to help us identify ways to prevent the future spread of disease in Ontario’s long-term care homes.”

The commission will look at how COVID-19 spread within long-term care homes and how residents, staff and family members were impacted.

Measures taken by the province to prevent and contain COVID-19 will also be part of the inquiry.