Edmonton – Official Opposition Leader Raj Sherman and Edmonton-Centre MLA Laurie Blakeman say the state of some publicly funded seniors’ accommodations is unhealthy and an affront to the human dignity of Alberta’s seniors.

The Westlawn Courts seniors’ residence in Sherman’s constituency of Edmonton Meadowlark is infested with bed bugs, parasitic insects that feed on human blood.

“The residents and management of Westlawn Courts and my office have been working together on maintenance issues at this seniors’ residence for over two years. Basic maintenance Issues have arisen as a result of lack of government funding, and the ministry responsible is aware of this.” Sherman says. “The recent bed bugs infestation is a symptom of the government’s neglect of our seniors’ facilities. This is a public health issue and it’s got to be brought under control.”

Gerard LeBlanc, President of the Westlawn Tenants’ Association, says that over 30 suites are infested, meaning that more than100 tenants are affected because adjacent units must be fumigated as well.

“Tenants are being asked to move out of their suites during and after fumigation, which can take five or six hours,” LeBlanc says. “They’re stuck waiting in the lobbies and common areas. And if the fumigation doesn’t work the first time, they may need to go through the process twice. This can be pretty tough on residents who have mobility issues.”

Blakeman says she’s aware of bed bug infestations at a number of seniors’ residences. She has raised the issue with the government via correspondence and during Question Period, but the problem persists.

“There’s no official income support policy in place for low-income Albertans who have bedbug infestations,” Blakeman says. “Yes, there’s some money available for reimbursement, but it’s not easy to access and you have to know who to ask. Unfortunately it can cost hundreds of dollars out of pocket for these folks to find alternate accommodations during fumigation, to pay for extra cleaning supplies and laundry, to move and store furniture…it adds up, especially when you’re barely making ends meet.”

A new Sherman Liberal government would invest in quality public, non-profit seniors’ accommodations based on local needs.

“Our seniors built this province and they deserve quality, affordable accommodations. It’s their right as citizens to enjoy a measure of dignity and respect in their golden years. What’s happening at Westlawn Courts is happening in seniors’ homes across the province and society must not allow this to continue. Albertans deserve better.”

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For further information, contact:

Earl J. Woods, Senior Communications Advisor
(780) 904-5430

Denis Lapointe, Director, Southern Alberta Liberal Caucus Office
(403) 860-4330

Gerard LeBlanc, President, Westlawn Tenants’ Association
(780) 483-8783

 

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