The Saskatchewan NDP wants the ombudsman to look at Extendicare’s financial records.
An investigation is promised into the company’s handling of a deadly COVID-19 outbreak at Regina’s Parkside care home.
The NDP’s seniors critic Matt Love accused Extendicare of putting profits over people and believes that is evident in dividends still being paid out to shareholders during the outbreak.
In an email statement Friday evening Extendicare clarified that it’s financial statements are published every quarter with a detailed summary of costs including efforts to combat COVID.
Extendicare explained since the pandemic began it’s spent $42.5 million including $22.7 million in government funding on COVID measures.
“We share in the sadness of our community over the devastating toll COVID-19 has taken on Extendicare Parkside and other long-term care homes across the country,” the statement read.
Extendicare pointed to aging facilities with cramped quarters and shared rooms as contributing to COVID devastation in long term care.
It also defended paying dividends.
The statement said dividends to shareholders helps secure the capital necessary to build new homes.