The Public Inquiry into the Safety and Security of Residents in the Long-Term Care Homes System
Inquiry Update
The Honourable Eileen E. Gillese, Commissioner of the Long-Term Care Homes Public Inquiry, released her final Report and Recommendations at noon on July 31, 2019, in Woodstock. It was transmitted to the Attorney General shortly before the public release.
- The Commissioner’s statement on the release of the Inquiry’s final Report and Recommendations can be found here.
- The Commissioner’s final Report and Recommendations can be found here.
Please note that the Inquiry’s two-year mandate from the Government of Ontario expired on July 31, 2019. This website is no longer updated.
For Media inquiries please contact the media line: 1-888-414-4774, or email media.moh@ontario.ca .
For all other inquiries please contact the Ministry of Long-Term Care’s action line at 1-866-434-0144
The Inquiry is Established
The Long-Term Care Homes Public Inquiry was established on August 1, 2017, by Order in Council following Elizabeth Wettlaufer’s conviction of eight counts of first degree murder, four counts of attempted murder and two counts of aggravated assault; offences she committed while working as a registered nurse in Long-Term Care Homes.
The Honourable Justice Eileen Gillese was appointed Commissioner. On her appointment, Commissioner Gillese said: “I am honoured to have been chosen to head this very important Inquiry dealing with matters that affect the lives of all those in Long-Term Care Homes in Ontario. My team and I will do our utmost to determine how these events could occur and to make recommendations so that the tragedies of the past are not repeated in the future.”
The Inquiry will deliver its final Report in both official languages on July 31, 2019
The Inquiry’s Mandate
The Inquiry’s mandate is to inquire into the events which led to the offences committed by Elizabeth Wettlaufer. Additionally, the Inquiry is directed to inquire into the circumstances and contributing factors allowing these events to occur, including the effect, if any, of relevant policies, procedures, practices and accountability and oversight mechanisms. The Inquiry is also directed to inquire into other relevant matters that the Commissioner considers necessary to avoid similar tragedies.
The Inquiry’s Core Team
Eileen E. Gillese, Commissioner
Will McDowell, Co-Lead Commission Counsel
Mark Zigler, Co-Lead Commission Counsel
Liz Hewitt, Senior Commission Counsel
Rebecca Jones, Commission Counsel
Megan Stephens, Commission Counsel
Lara Kinkartz, Associate Counsel
Andrea Barton, Executive Director
Peter Rehak, Director of Communications