Class-action lawsuit filed against operators of McKenzie Towne care home

CALGARY (660 NEWS) – A local law firm has filed a $25-million class-action lawsuit against the operators of the McKenzie Towne Continuing Care Centre.

The facility, which is run by Revera Living, has seen at least 20 deaths due to COVID-19 and was the first major outbreak in the province.

More than 100 staff and residents have tested positive for the coronavirus.

Partner at Guardian Law Group Jonathan Denis believes the centre wasn’t prepared for the virus.

“They did not seem to have a plan in place to deal with the pandemic. There was inadequate spacing between residents. For example, two residents in a room with beds only 36 inches apart. Staff entered rooms without any personal protective equipment, no masks, no gloves, no gowns and not enough staff able to respond to the pandemic,” Denis said.

The lawsuit represents the family of a resident who died from COVID-19, but Denis said others are welcome to join.

“Other people who have suffered from COVID-19 directly themselves or through community spread are welcome to join the class-action and contact us.”

The allegations in the lawsuit have not been proven in court.

“We are currently reviewing the class action lawsuit which was forwarded to us by media outlets and will respond in due course. That said, as we are sure you can appreciate since this is a matter before the courts, we will not be able to speak to the specifics of the lawsuit, but we can say that we will approach it as we do any situation like this: with respect for the system and for all parties involved, ” said Revera Living in a statement.

“We are grateful to our dedicated employees and for the care they provide. They are among the heroes of this pandemic. Our staff provide comfort, care and compassion every day – to mothers, fathers, grandparents – and we are doing everything we can to help them do this work.”