Imagine spending your golden years in a care home, only to share your space with uninvited guests—mice. This is the grim reality for residents at one of Edmonton’s largest long-term care facilities, where a persistent mice infestation has sparked outrage and concern. Posted on January 23, 2026, the story highlights the ongoing battle at the Edmonton General Continuing Care Centre, a facility that houses nearly 500 individuals in need of long-term, subacute, and hospice care.
Covenant Health, the publicly funded operator of the center, insists that addressing this issue is their top priority. In a recent statement, Scott Baerg, senior officer of continuing care operations, assured the public that they are taking the matter seriously. “We are committed to the safety, dignity, and care of our residents,” he said. Steps include hiring a new pest control company for regular inspections and promptly addressing any signs of infestation. “If pests are found, we act quickly to rectify the situation, inform our leadership, and secure potential entry points,” Baerg added.
But here’s where it gets controversial: Alberta’s Opposition NDP claims this isn’t a new problem. NDP health critic Sarah Hoffman revealed she raised the alarm about the infestation last summer, even notifying health inspectors. Yet, during a recent visit, she found evidence of mice droppings in a resident’s room. “The thought of someone’s blanket being crawled on by mice in the middle of the night is horrifying,” Hoffman said. “It’s clear the current measures aren’t enough.”
Health Canada warns that mice, particularly their droppings, pose serious health risks. Inhaling particles from mouse droppings, especially from deer mice, can lead to hantavirus infection, causing severe respiratory illness. Improper cleanup, such as sweeping, can exacerbate the risk.
Ron Guetter, a spiritual care volunteer at the center, shared disturbing accounts from residents. “One woman was too afraid to leave her bed because of mice on the floor,” he said. “It’s tragic that people in their final stages of life have to endure such conditions.” Guetter praised the staff’s dedication and the cleanliness of common areas but emphasized, “This situation is unacceptable for anyone.”
And this is the part most people miss: Hoffman argues that the government needs stronger whistleblower protections for staff in publicly funded organizations. She’s urging the passage of a private member’s bill to empower healthcare workers to speak up without fear of retaliation. “We need systemic change to ensure these issues are addressed promptly,” she said.
The center operates at full capacity, and while Covenant Health claims to be taking action, critics argue it’s not enough. The question remains: How can a facility tasked with caring for society’s most vulnerable fail to provide a pest-free environment? Is this a matter of negligence, or are there deeper systemic issues at play? We’d love to hear your thoughts in the comments.
