Class-action lawsuit issued on behalf of Ontario long-term care home residents

Thompson Rogers issued a press release on June 15, 2020 stating that Joanne Dykeman, Sienna’s Executive Vice President of Operations made “disparaging and mocking comments” towards the home's residents and families during an online meeting on June 3. She was dismissed from her position as a result of the incident.

William Osler Health System's was appointed as interim manager by the Ontario government on June 5—replacing Sienna. The Canadian Armed Forces around June 7, were deployed to the long-term care home to help with the provision of care. On June 12, Sienna president and CEO, Louis Cormack resigned.

“This is the second action Thomson Rogers has advanced on behalf of residents at a Sienna Senior Living facility,” noted Stephen Birman, a partner involved in the class actions. “The reported conditions at Woodbridge Vista and the Altamont Care facilities are appalling. As a community we trust these facilities to take care of our loved ones with an expectation that the needs of our most vulnerable are looked after.”

Thompson Rogers has also contacted Prime Minister Trudeau’s office along with the office of Premier Doug Ford, requesting that the cost of the Canadian Armed Forces deployment and the involvement of William Osler Health System’s does not fall on taxpayers.

“These costs should be fully reimbursed by Sienna and not shouldered by the taxpayers of Ontario and Canada,” Birman noted.

Thomson Rogers says plaintiffs involved in the class action suit seek compensation for the deaths of their loved ones and they support the idea of an independent commission for the long-term care system in Ontario.