Question Period Note: Canadian Armed Forces assistance in Long Term Care Facilities

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About

Reference number:
DND-2020-QP-00001
Date received:
May 26, 2020
Organization:
National Defence
Name of Minister:
Sajjan, Harjit S. (Hon.)
Title of Minister:
Minister of National Defence

Issue/Question:

Why is the Canadian Armed Forces not doing more to provide assistance in long term care facilities?

Suggested Response:

  • The Canadian Armed Forces always stand ready to assist communities across Canada.
  • The Quebec and Ontario governments asked for assistance to help in long-term care facilities and the Canadian Armed Forces have answered the call.
  • Military personnel are making a real difference and have transitioned out of five facilities in Quebec and one in Ontario that no longer require our support.
  • Canadian Armed Forces members have also been re-positioned to three new facilities identified by Quebec as requiring support.
  • Military personnel continue to provide assistance in twenty-three long term care facilities in Quebec and four facilities in Ontario.
  • Our personnel take pride in supporting Canadians and have quickly adapted to performing new tasks in this dynamic environment.

IF PRESSED ON CASES OF COVID-19 AMONG CANADIAN ARMED FORCES MEMBERS

  • Every day, military personnel risk their own health and safety to protect vulnerable Canadians.
  • This is why the Canadian Armed Forces ensures its personnel are properly trained and equipped to provide assistance in Long Term Care Facilities.
  • Processes are in place to remove any ill military personnel from the facilities and to provide them with appropriate medical attention.
  • The Canadian Armed Forces continues to build best practices and to seek ways to further mitigate risks.
  • As of 25 May, 39 military personnel who were providing support in facilities in Quebec and Ontario have tested positive for COVID-19.
  • To respect the privacy of the members, I will not go into further detail regarding the condition of their health.

IF PRESSED ON SPECIAL DUTY PAY FOR CAF PERSONNEL IN LTCF

  • The Canadian Armed Forces are working diligently to assist vulnerable populations in Long Term Care Facilities affected by the COVID-19 pandemic
  • Following advice from the Surgeon General, military personnel are applying all protocols to mitigate the hazards associated with COVID-19.
  • We recognize that COVID-19 poses unique hazards for Canadian Armed Forces personnel operating in these facilities.
  • This is why the Chief of the Defence Staff has tasked his staff to pursue hazard allowance for members directly engaged inside these facilities.
  • We will continue to support our troops as they provide assistance to communities across Canada.K6

Background:

Responsible Principals: Canadian Joint Operations Command, Strategic Joint Staff, Assistant Deputy Minister (Policy)

Additional Information:

QUICK FACTS

Location of Canadian Armed Forces Assistance in LTCF

  • Quebec: Canadian Armed Forces personnel assisting in twenty-three facilities in and around Montreal.

    • 19 facilities on the island of Montreal
    • 1 facility in Longueil
    • 1 facilities in Saint-Lambert
    • 1 facilities in Laval
    • 1 facility in L'île-Bizard

  • Ontario: Candian Armed Forces personnel assisting in four facilities in and around Toronto.

    • 1 facility in Scarborough
    • 1 facility in Pickering
    • 1 facility in Etobicoke
    • 1 facility in North York

COVID-19 cases within the Candian Armed Forces population providing support in Long Term Care Facilities

  • Quebec: 24 Tested Positive
  • Ontario: 15 Tested Positive