The long-term care crisis refers to serious problems in Canada's system of residential care facilities for elderly and disabled people requiring constant assistance. Issues include inadequate staffing, poor infection control, substandard facilities, and lack of available beds. The COVID-19 pandemic exposed these problems dramatically, with severe outbreaks in long-term care homes leading to the unprecedented deployment of Canadian Armed Forces medical personnel to assist overwhelmed facilities. While long-term care is primarily provincial responsibility, federal military intervention highlighted the need for national standards and increased funding. Municipalities operate some care facilities and face growing demand as populations age.