April 14, 2000

Editor
The Toronto Star
1 Yonge Street
Toronto, ON
M5E 1E6

Dear Editor:

We would like to reassure seniors and their families that not-for-profit long term care facilities, by their very nature, have a built-in system of accountability which ensures quality care and services.

Nearly half of the province’s 57,000 facility beds are run by religious, charitable, cultural or service groups, or owned by municipalities. These not-for profit homes have boards that are elected from the communities they operate in, their "books" are open to the public, and they are accountable to municipal politicians, community volunteer boards, and charitable sponsor groups.

Their missions and operations are focused on meeting the needs of residents. Indeed, any surpluses generated by these organizations are plowed back into services and not into the pockets of shareholders.

We wholeheartedly support accountability for all providers of care and accommodation for seniors.

Sincerely,

Donna A. Rubin
Chief Executive Officer
Ontario Association of Non-Profit Homes and Services for Seniors