Hope remains for Till Death Do Us Part legislation

Since 2019, Waterloo MPP Catherine Fife has been fighting to get her Bill 21 passed, enshrining the right for senior couples to remain together.

The Till Death Do Us Part Act would prevent couples like Jim and Joan McLeod from being separated when one needs additional care.

Jim McLeod has been working with Fife, advocating for a law, after Joan was moved to different care facility a 25 minute drive away from the Cambridge couple’s senior community.

The third attempt to have Bill 21 brought to the table died when the provincial election was called last January.

Last month, the McLeod’s were reunited, and since then, Joan has shown significant improvement. Fife says that’s evidence that Bill 21 is just good policy.

“The fact that Joan is doing so much better now because she’s with Jim, proves our point. Reunification of seniors is about honouring seniors, yes, but also about keeping seniors healthy.”

Fife said she has been speaking with Jim, who is not giving up the fight, but he is suggesting that next time, let a member of the ruling party bring the bill to the table.

Jim believes that letting a PC MPP bring the idea forward will avoid potential partisanship hurdles.

Fife says she has absolutely no problem with that.

“This has never been about who is going to take credit for a piece of legislation, this is about righting and correcting an injustice in our long term care system.”

Fife said she’s willing to reach across the aisle again, if it means the bill get passed.

“I will reach out to the new minister of long term care and let them know about this positive interaction that has happened,” she added. “I’m honouring Jim’s request that a government member bring it forward. So, my bill is up for grabs for any government member who would like to bring it forward.”

Fife went on to say she is still going to advocate for Bill 21.

“My goal, as MPP for Waterloo is to make sure that seniors rights to stay together are enshrined in legislation.”

It will be some time before there is any movement on Bill 21. MPP’s are on summer break and won’t return to Queen’s Park until October 20.