Ontario chief medical officer of health sorts out local health board

It’s been an interesting week for municipal officials in Bruce and Grey counties who serve on Grey Bruce Public Health’s board of health.

Monday (Aug. 11), the wardens of the two counties released a statement saying that municipal representatives on the board of health had received letters from the chairperson, advising of the termination of all municipal appointees to the board, effective Aug. 6.

“Supporting healthy communities is a long-standing priority for the councils of Bruce and Grey counties,” said the statement, from Bruce County warden Luke Charbonneau and Grey County warden Andrea Matrosovs. “Public health plays an important role in the well-being of the thousands of residents who call Bruce and Grey counties home, and the millions who visit each year.

“Both counties want to support the public health needs of our residents. We want to work collaboratively with the ministry (of health) on the best solutions for residents.

“We understand and share the public’s concern and as we learn more about these decisions, Bruce and Grey counties will be transparent with the public.”

By Friday (Aug. 15), a second statement was released by Charbonneau and Matrosovs, stating that as of Thursday (Aug. 14), the Ontario chief medical officer of health, Dr. Kieran Moore, had announced he is temporarily assuming the powers of the board of health for Grey Bruce Public Health and is appointing a special advisor to support the board.

Further, all municipal appointees to the board have received a letter from the chief medical officer of health, confirming that all municipal appointees remain on the board.

“We are pleased to have clarification that our appointed members continue to be part of the board and appreciate the swift action of the ministry to ensure the continuity of public health services,” state Charbonneau and Matrosovs.

“Bruce and Grey counties are responsible for appointing municipal members to the board of health and are committed to serving the health interests of our residents. The two counties, and our municipal appointees, will work collaboratively with the ministry to support their goals of restoring effective leadership, rebuilding relationships, and supporting long-term stability of public health.

“We look forward to working positively with the special advisor appointed by the chief medical officer of health, and learning more about what this process will entail over the coming weeks. Supporting healthy communities remains a priority for both Bruce and Grey counties.

“Although the recent actions regarding the board were unexpected, we appreciate the recent actions taken by the ministry and we are reassured we have a path forward. Bruce and Grey counties are committed to supporting the board of health and as it works with the ministry to ensure residents receive the quality public health services they need and deserve.”