• Monday, 22 June 2020

Families of COVID-19 Victims to Protest Government Over Immunity

TORONTO, June 22, 2020 /CNW/ – Amidst the news that the Ontario Government is considering granting immunity from COVID-19 civil lawsuits, the families of victims are fighting back.

The potential immunity being considered by the provincial government would protect people and organizations from COVID-19 related lawsuits, if they spread the virus while acting in good faith.

Toronto Lawyers, Diamond and Diamond, spearheaded $150 million in class actions against Revera Retirement Living and Sienna Senior Living months ago. Official provincial figures show over 1700 residents of long-term care homes have died of COVID-19.

“My mom was my everything,” said Tracy Rowley, a representative Plaintiff in a class-action lawsuit against Revera. “Her death was preventable. They were ill-prepared. Something has to be done so it doesn’t happen again.”

“This is unprecedented,” said Darryl Singer, head of commercial and civil litigation at Diamond and Diamond. “The families of these victims lost them through negligence. The government is taking the side of big business over average citizens who are looking for answers. It is shocking.”

Donna Duncan, CEO of the Ontario Long-Term Care Association has argued that many insurance companies will cease coverage without this immunity. Conversely, Singer argues that it appears insurance lobbyists have taken over the conversation.

“These deaths are related to long-standing issues with Ontario’s long-term care homes which started years ago,” said Singer. “They weren’t held accountable then and we fear it won’t happen now.”

A demonstration will take place tomorrow from 11am to 2pm at Queens park (behind the Sir John A. MacDonald statue). The families of victims will demand accountability and long-term change in a unified front.

“Victims deserve justice period,” said Jeremy Diamond, senior partner at Diamond and Diamond Lawyers. “If this goes ahead the government is sending a message that they will protect for-profit homes over tragic deaths.”