NDP CALLS FOR IMMEDIATE INVESTIGATION AND PUBLIC REPORTING INTO ALLEGATIONS AT GOOD SAMARITAN SOUTHGATE CARE CENTRE

EDMONTON-- NDP Seniors and Housing Critic Lori Sigurdson is calling on Health Minister Tyler Shandro to order an immediate investigation of the Good Samaritan Southgate Care Centre, in light of recent allegations from staff about unacceptable living conditions for residents.

“The allegations coming out of Good Samaritan Southgate are deeply concerning and Tyler Shandro must act on them immediately,” said Sigurdson. “Albertans in continuing care must be treated with dignity and respect, and most importantly need to be protected and cared for during this pandemic.”

Thirty-four Albertans died during a COVID-19 outbreak at Good Samaritan Southgate, the deadliest single-site outbreak in the province. 

“I’m horrified to hear these reports coming from staff,” said Sigurdson. “This building should be under the closest scrutiny from Tyler Shandro.”

The President of the Brenda Stafford Foundation, Mike Conroy, recently said he believes Alberta is entering a second wave of COVID-19 and is concerned about the loosening of restrictions of continuing care.

“Albertans still do not have answers from the outbreaks at McKenzie Towne, Manoir du Lac, Millrise, or Good Samaritan Southgate. I am deeply concerned that Jason Kenney and Tyler Shandro have not learned the lessons from the first wave in order to prevent a second. It is essential that this government act immediately.”

The NDP Official Opposition renews their call for a public inquiry into the COVID-19 fatalities in continuing care.