A new report by the Centre for International Corporate Tax Accountability and Research (CICTAR) reveals that Europe’s largest long-term care home operator, Orpea, has been building a property empire while facing allegations of elder abuse and misappropriation of public money. Orpea is 15 per cent owned by the Canada Pension Plan Investment Board (CPPIB), which also holds two seats on Orpea’s board of directors. CUPE is reiterating its call for Canadian pension funds to stop bankrolling suffering and abuse in the long-term care sector, and an end to for-profit care.

The new joint report by CICTAR and French unions CGT and CFDT reveal Orpea’s 40 Luxembourg subsidiaries used to expand its property portfolio while disregarding resident care. This follows an exposé by investigative journalist Victor Castanet reporting allegations of resident neglect and rationing of food and incontinence products at Orpea. The French government has opened investigations into Orpea’s mistreatment of residents and workers, as well as its financial practices.

CUPE believes this is just more evidence that it’s time to end profiteering in long-term care.

“We refuse to accept that the neglect of our parents and grandparents and loved ones is simply the cost of doing business, and we know this problem doesn’t get fixed until we take out the profit motive and make long-term care public,” said CUPE National President Mark Hancock.

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