Thank you, Mr. Chair.
Good afternoon to our witnesses and to all of my colleagues.
First and foremost, I want to reject the assertion of my colleague who just asked questions regarding how we as the federal government aren't stepping up. I absolutely reject that. We are stepping up. The last time I checked we had Canadian Forces in Quebec. We had Canadian Forces in Ontario. This is not a partisan issue, not one bit. This challenge, with respect to seniors, has been unfolding really over decades. I just want to put that on the table. We all know the challenges that seniors homes are facing.
Ms. Gillis, to your point that 79% of all deaths in Canada are related to long-term facilities, we know we have a major challenge here.
This is my question for you, Ms. Gillis. Seniors are significantly less likely to have access to critical social supports including always having people they can depend on in times of need. Social supports are critical during the COVID-19 crisis as seniors need to self-isolate and are relying on family, friends and neighbours to deliver groceries, medications and other essential items.
Please tell us what the federal government needs to do in the short term and the long term to ensure that low-income seniors are getting the support they need during this period.