Ontario government stops CCAC contract bidding while Caplan reviews.

TORONTO -- The Ontario government has put a stop to any new requests for proposals while its appointee, Elinor Caplan, conducts an independent review of the competitive bidding process used by Community Care Access Centres.

The bidding process, set up by the previous Ontario government, has been subject to controversy as a number of non-profit groups lost out in the bidding, losing to for-profit companies.

Health and Long Term Care Minister George Smitherman said. "There are significant concerns that the scale of contract changeovers is causing instability in the home care labour force and in the homes of patients. This review will look at how the process is working for patients and how it can be improved to ensure a consistently high level of care." Caplan, a former Ontario Health Minister and federal cabinet minister, will report to the minister within six months.

"The government is to be applauded for not accepting the status quo," said Joe McReynolds, CEO of the Ontario Community Support Association. "We look forward to a better system where the emphasis is placed on high quality care, including continuity of care for home care clients."

"OHHCPA members are supportive of the RFP review and need for an open, transparent and fair purchasing process."

Since 1997, CCACS have been obtaining nursing, medical supplies and equipment, personal support and homemaking, and therapy services using a competitive selection process.

The Ontario Association of Community Care Access Centres also welcomes the review. It defends the current practices. "It was designed to allow for the awarding of service contracts primarily on service quality rather than on cost", said Howard Phee, Chair of the OACCAC Board. "CCACS have been using the process to help ensure that service providers are properly responsive to a client's individual needs."