That's a really difficult question.
In Ontario, mandatory reporting exists in long-term care facilities and, more recently, in retirement homes as well. Many situations that occur in long-term care facilities are reported and acted upon.
Do we need more? Of course. Would it make sense to establish standards across the country? Probably.
That's all part of our desire to have some sort of an aging strategy, rather than looking at just one particular situation or one particular sector. It really needs to cut across. Elder abuse—and I'm sure you've heard this quite a bit—is very complex. It really is. It is not like child abuse or abuse of women, because there are so many different layers involved that you don't necessarily have in the other forms of abuse. The choices that older women have are far fewer than younger women have. We know that. If you want to go across the country, then go across the country and look at everything. Don't just look at one sector.
It's the same with legislation. I've been asked that question: does Ontario need stronger legislation? Well, if you're not going to put in the resources, what's the good of the legislation, frankly?
Yes, I personally believe that older people deserve greater protection than they currently have. Some who are deemed capable are deemed capable at ten o'clock in the morning, but by three in the afternoon they're not so capable. Some are capable of writing a cheque and others aren't. It's not an all-or-nothing situation.
But there are no resources, and I'm sure you're hearing this. I think that's what we're bringing to this table. You know, enough with the public awareness. It's great, but.... Okay?