VIDEO: 'I've never encountered anything so cynical and so cruel'

The Ford government is facing a Charter challenge over the "More Beds, Better Care Act," a controversial law that allows Ontario hospitals to charge some elderly patients $400 per day if they refuse to move into a long-term care facility.

The legislation also includes powers to transfer certain patients to nursing homes as far away as 70 km in southern Ontario and 150 km in northern Ontario. At last count, the bill has been used to move thousands of people, including at least 66 who were sent to long-term care homes not of their choosing.

"I've never encountered anything that's just so cynical and so cruel in its impact on the most vulnerable people in our community," said lawyer Steven Shrybman, during a recent appearance on Village Media's Inside the Village podcast. "This group is being singled out and identified as 'selfish bed blockers,' and maybe that will distract people from how little the government is doing to actually deal with the systemic problems of the system."

Shrybman represents one of the two public health advocacy groups that filed the Charter challenge. They argue that the legislation infringes on the right to life, liberty and security of person under Section 7 of the Charter and discrimination based on age under Section 15.

You can watch the full episode of the podcast HERE.

Hosted by Scott Sexsmith and Michael Friscolanti, the Editor-in-Chief of Village Media, Inside the Village is a news and current affairs podcast that provides a weekly window into some of the best local journalism from across our chain of Ontario newsrooms. Produced by Derek Turner, the program also explores bigger-picture issues that impact people across the province.

Every episode is available on this news site /insidethevillage. If you prefer the audio version, it is available wherever you find your favourite podcasts.

You can reach us at [email protected].