Windsor West NDP MPP Lisa Gretzky is calling on the provincial government to create a COVID-19 Essential Caregiver Strategy.
Gretzky held a Monday morning news conference and says she will be introducing a motion at Queen's Park.
She says essential caregivers as more than just visitors and residents in long-term care, groups homes as well as all congregate care settings have a right to fully access their essential caregivers and support persons.
Gretzky says essential caregivers need to be allowed back into the homes to see and care for their loved ones.
"For the last four months, people living in long term care, retirement homes, group homes for individuals with developmental and intellectual disabilities and all congregate care settings have been unable to access their essential caregivers or support persons" says Gretzky. "I've heard from so many individuals and families from across the province who tell me limited access to their loved ones through phone calls, or window visits has been painful and for some it's simply not feasible."
She says action is needed now from the Ford government.
"They need to work with individuals in congregate care settings, families, workers and experts in creating and immediately implementing a strategy to allow essential care givers and their loved ones appropriate access to each other," says Gretzky.
Gretzky’s motion also deals with future policies regarding essential caregivers must be made in consultation with residents, patients, families, experts, and workers.