05/11/2026
COVID-19 and Labour Disruption Update
Good morning, Queens Manor family.
I am writing to provide an update as we continue to navigate both the fifth week of labour disruption and a new COVID-19 outbreak within Queens Manor.
This is an incredibly challenging time for everyone involved — our residents, staff (both unionized and non-unionized), families, and loved ones. I am aware of the many concerns, stories, and perspectives being shared regarding the current state of care at the Manor, and I would like to provide some factual updates and context.
• We currently have a COVID-19 outbreak on our West Unit. I encourage everyone to read the Facebook update posted by our Director of Care and Certified IPAC Professional, John Orme, which outlines the measures being taken to contain the outbreak and protect residents and staff. Additional updates will continue to be shared as the situation evolves.
• Each day, the Joint Essential Services Committee (JESC) meets to review operational concerns and staffing needs. This committee includes representatives from both CUPE 2648 and management and operates within the framework of the Essential Services Agreement. The focus of these meetings is cooperation, collaboration, and problem-solving. When operational circumstances require unanticipated increases in bargaining unit staffing hours, those requests are brought forward to JESC for discussion. If agreement cannot be reached, the matter proceeds to the Labour Board for review.
• I am pleased to report that, through this collaborative process, we have secured additional support hours in several key areas, including CCA coverage, dietary, environmental and laundry services, OTA/PTA support, and most recently, four hours of recreation services each weekday. I want to thank members of the JESC committee on both sides for their professionalism and willingness to work collaboratively in support of resident care. To date, this cooperation has allowed us to avoid escalating any matters to the Labour Board.
• One of our daily priorities is ensuring that resident needs continue to be met as circumstances evolve. What may have been considered “essential” on the first day of the strike can look very different after several weeks of labour disruption. Our management team continues to reassess and recalibrate operational priorities each day and bring identified concerns forward through the JESC process.
• At present, Queens Manor continues to operate at just under 60% of pre-strike CUPE staffing levels. Management and non-unionized staff are working to fill many of these gaps while also maintaining their regular full time operational responsibilities. As a result, visitors may notice delays or signs of strain within the building. Please know that staff are working exceptionally hard under difficult circumstances, and every day requires ongoing prioritization and triage of the most urgent needs. Resident safety remains, and will always remain, our top priority.
• I want to sincerely thank our residents, staff, families, and loved ones for their patience, understanding, and civility throughout this difficult period. Emotions and frustrations are understandable, and I encourage everyone to continue extending grace and respect to one another as we work through these challenges together.
• I welcome feedback from residents and families and encourage you to share your perspectives with elected officials and CUPE leadership as well. It is important that all parties understand the impact this labour disruption is having on those we serve.
As always, we will move through this together, learning and growing along the way.
Sincerely,
Andrew MacVicar, BA (Psych), BScOT, DipHSA
Executive Director
Queens Manor
