The government of Newfoundland and Labrador has continuously preached its total commitment to a publicly delivered health care system. But this month, there were disturbing indications that the province may be planning to build a P3 dementia health unit.
The government had placed ads seeking “Expressions of Interest” for the design, construction, maintenance and operation of residential duplexes for dementia care in Corner Brook on the west coast. CUPE watchdogs were suspicious.
“There is a new long-term care facility scheduled to be built in Corner Brook,” CUPE 488 president Donna Ryan said. “While we knew these dementia units were coming, there was no indication whatsoever that they would be handed over to a for-profit company.”
CUPE will monitor the project, keeping a close eye on the government’s intentions.