Niagara Falls MPP Wayne Gates is backing the NDP's call for a public inquiry into the long-term care system.
He says families and advocates have been ringing bells about the crisis in long-term care homes, especially for-profit homes, for years.
Gates says we need to find out why the system was in crisis before COVID-19 and how this pandemic has left seniors so vulnerable.
He says the inquiry would also examine the future of for-profit homes in the Niagara Region.
"It's not just long-term care, it's for-profit retirement homes and homes for those with disabilities. We've seen what can happen here in Niagara when we neglect our most vulnerable people. Our community has been shattered by what happened at Lundy Manor and many other care homes in Niagara."
The Ontario Health Coalition released data on Tuesday, which shows a higher death rate in long-term care homes owned by for-profit companies.
It says the rate of death was nine percent for for-profit homes, 5.25 percent in non-profit homes and 3.62 percent in publicly-owned, municipal homes.
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