Ontario Progressive Conservative party leader John Tory heard that more nursing staff is needed at long-term care homes.

Tory was in Barrie for a quick tour at the IOOF Seniors Home Tuesday. He spoke with residents about the situation, and they agreed the problem was lack of nursing staff, which means more funding is needed.

Bertha Hogan, president of the IOOF residents’ association, said she’s one of the fortunate ones at the home who can still speak for herself.

At 96, she explained how she waited in bed for over an hour one morning for someone to help dress her for breakfast. It was during a shift change, so she understood the confusion, but used it as an example of how changes must be made.

Taking notes, Tory told the residents he wasn’t there to make promises.

“That’s one reason people don’t vote – because politicians say things they don’t do. There’s no point in going to places like this, or a school or hospital, and making promises,” said Tory. “I want to come up with a plan for things that we can actually do,” said Tory.

Paperwork for nursing staff is a problem, he said, blaming the strict regulations of the Liberal government.

“Ontario’s elderly residents deserve better,” he said.

At the meeting, one woman spoke on behalf of her mother, and warned Tory that he too would one day need nursing care.

“She’s right. This is about people and we have to take proper care of them,” said Tory.

He challenged Dalton McGuinty’s government to add 4,500 full-time jobs to the long-term care sector, and give each resident three hours of personal care a day.