Abuse at the CHSLD de La Prairie: Bélanger orders a new investigation
The Minister responsible for Seniors, Sonia Bélanger, announced on Wednesday that she has ordered a new investigation at the long-term care centre (CHSLD) in La Prairie in connection with acts of abuse.
"The CISSS of Montérégie-Ouest conducted an internal investigation. Since I am not satisfied with the conclusions I saw, I have asked the ministerial teams to investigate," she said in a press scrum.
Le Journal de Montréal reported on Monday that an attendant at the CHSLD in La Prairie allegedly punched an 86-year-old woman suffering from Alzheimer's a few weeks before her death.
Employees reportedly saw the same attendant strike another resident on the head and forcibly straighten the arm of a third elderly person with stiff limbs.
Citing the Journal article on Wednesday, Liberal MP Linda Caron pointed out that the man in question had been suspended for three weeks with pay and then relocated, while a whistleblower had been suspended for two weeks without pay.
"This is unacceptable; it's even outrageous. What are you going to do?" she asked the minister.
Bélanger responded that, in her view, the situation is "unacceptable" and "unjustifiable."
"I have requested an investigation from our inspection team at the Ministry of Health and Social Services, and I will closely follow the case," she promised.
In the press scrum, Minister Bélanger reiterated that "there is zero tolerance for abuse" and that "employees have an obligation to report."
"When employees report, managers must take charge of the situation," she emphasized.
Will she demand changes within the CISSS? "I will proceed step by step," she said.
The report from the Ministry of Health and Social Services' inspection team is expected "in the coming days."
This report by The Canadian Press was first published in French on Oct. 2, 2024.
CTVNews.ca Top Stories
DEVELOPING Israel presses forward on two fronts as fears of a wider war mount
Israel pressed forward on two fronts Wednesday, pursuing a ground incursion into Lebanon against Hezbollah and conducting strikes in Gaza that killed dozens, including children.
Albertan first Canadian veteran to compete in Mrs. Universe pageant
In less than a year, an Alberta woman has gone from gracing the stage at her first pageant to competing at the Mrs. Universe pageant in South Korea. She's making history by becoming the first Canadian veteran to compete internationally.
Northern Ont. trial begins with shocking details about murder scene
The jury at the trial of a second-degree murder suspect in Sudbury on Wednesday heard graphic details of the crime scene discovered in a Kathleen Street apartment on Boxing Day 2020.
Bloc leader says ultimatum stands after Liberals vote against motion seeking boost to seniors' benefits
Bloc Quebecois Leader Yves-Francois Blanchet says his ultimatum to the government stands, after the Liberals voted against a motion seeking money to boost seniors' benefits on Wednesday.
Scientists discover large cold-water soft coral garden in Newfoundland
A project team from Newfoundland's Marine Institute has uncovered a nearly 10,000-square-metre cold-water soft coral garden, hidden just underneath the surface of the province's Funk Island Deep.
Toronto police officer rushed to hospital after being shot
Toronto police say an officer has been shot while conducting an investigation midtown.
Canadian figure skater suspended at least 6 years for 'sexual maltreatment'
Canadian figure skater Nikolaj Sorensen has been suspended for at least six years for 'sexual maltreatment,' the Office of the Sport Integrity Commissioner announced Wednesday.
'Dream scenario' for Poilievre as Conservatives open up 20-point lead with NDP, Liberals tied
The latest Nanos numbers show Pierre Poilievre and the federal Conservative Party have opened up a significant lead, and Justin Trudeau’s Liberals have fallen back into a statistical tie with the NDP.
Trump 'resorted to crimes' after losing 2020 U.S. election, prosecutors say
Donald Trump 'resorted to crimes' after losing the 2020 election, federal prosecutors said in a court filing unsealed Wednesday.