A former Western University law school dean has been tapped to lead the public inquiry into Ontario's long-term care homes in the wake of the Elizabeth Wettlaufer case.
Justice Eileen Gillese, who has sat on the Ontario Court of Appeal since 2002, was appointed by the province to head the independent inquiry into the circumstances and systemic issues which may have contributed to the murder of eight seniors under the care of the former nurse.
As part of her mandate, Gillese will examine policies, procedures, and oversight of long-term care homes. She will also review the accountability measures in place to ensure they meet the objectives of the Long-Term Care Homes Act, and provide recommendations to improve the safety and well-being of residents.
Justice Eileen Gillese. Photo courtesy of the Ontario Government.
“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," said Gillese in a written statement Tuesday.
A final report with recommendations will be presented by Gillese to the attorney general by July 31, 2019.
Prior to joining the Ontario Court of Appeal, Gillese served as a Superior Court Justice and chaired the Pension Commission of Ontario, the Financial Services Commission of Ontario, and the Financial Services Tribunal of Ontario.
Wettlaufer pleaded guilty in June to eight counts of first degree murder, four counts of attempted murder, and two counts of aggravated assault. The murders occurred between 2007 and 2014 in nursing homes in Woodstock and London. The 50-year-old former nurse is the worst health care serial killer in Canadian history.
The province announced plans to hold a public inquiry into Wettlaufer's crimes on the same day she was sentenced to life in prison with no chance of parole for 25 years.
"Our parents and grandparents deserve to live in comfort, with access to the best care possible and we want to assure the public that Ontario's 78,000 long-term care residents are safe in their homes. Justice Gillese’s recommendations will help ensure that loved ones in long-term care homes continue to be safe and secure," said Yasir Naqvi, Ontario's attorney general.
