Amended Agenda - September 20, 2018 - Board of Health Meeting

Complete Agenda Package (PDF)

Thursday, September 20,  2018 - 8:00 p.m.
399 Ridout Street North
Side Entrance, (Recessed Door)
Board of Health Boardroom

Disclosure(s) of Conflicts of Interest

Approval of Agenda

Approval of Minutes

July 19, 2018 – Board of Health meeting
Receive: September 6, 2018 - Finance & Facilities Committee meeting

Delegations

8:05 – 8:15 p.m.

Ms. Trish Fulton, Chair, Finance & Facilities Committee, re: Item #1 September 6, 2018 Finance & Facilities Committee Meeting (Report No. 051-18)

8:15 – 8:25 p.m.

Mr. Trevor Hunter, Chair, Governance Committee re: Item #2 September 20, 2018 Governance Committee Meeting

8:25 – 8:35 p.m.

Dr. Alex Summers and Ms. Ruth Sanderson re: Plan to update the online Community Health Status Resource

8:35 – 8:45 p.m.

Mr. Jordan Banninga, re: Item #6 Review of Public Health Services in Middlesex County

Other Business

• Approve the draft 2019 Board of Health, Governance Committee and Finance & Facilities Committee meeting schedule
• Next Finance and Facilities Committee Meeting: October 4, 2018 @ 9:00 a.m.
• Next Board of Health Meeting: October 18, 2018 @ 7:00 p.m.
• Next Governance Committee Meeting: November 15, 2018 @ 6:00 p.m.

Correspondence

a) Date: 2018 July 10
Topic: Public Health Approach to Drug Policy Reform
From: Simcoe Muskoka District Health Unit
To: The Honourable Ginette Petitpas Taylor, the Honourable Jody Wilson-Raybould

Background:
On July 10, 2018, the Board of Health for Simcoe Muskoka District Health Unit wrote to the Honourable Ginette Petitpas Taylor and the Honourable Jody Wilson-Raybould urging the federal government to consider the decriminalization of illicit psychoactive substances (IPS) and reform the necessary policies to more effectively address drug use and addiction as major societal problems. Simcoe Muskoka District Health Unit endorses the recommendations of the Canadian Public Health Association (CPHA) as stated in their 2017 Position Statement, which calls for s shift from addressing IPS as a criminal issue toward treating is as a public health issue.

Recommendation: Receive.

b) Date: 2018 July 12
Topic: Delay of Smoke-Free Ontario Act, 2017
From: Timiskaming Health Unit
To: The Honourable Christine Elliott

Background:
On July 11, 2018, at a special meeting of the Board of Health for Timiskaming Health Unit, a motion was passed to send a letter to the Honourable Christine Elliot expressing concern regarding the delay in implementing the Smoke-Free Ontario Act, 2017 (SFOA 2017). A letter was issued to the Ontario Minister of Health on July 12, 2018, stating that Timiskaming Health Unit joins other public health units in Ontario in expressing concern over the government’s decision to delay the SFOA 2017.

Recommendation: Receive.

c) Date: 2017 July 12
Topic: Speech from the Throne, titled “A Government for the People”
From: Association of Local Public Health Agencies (alPHa)
To: alPHa members

Background:
On July 12, 2018, a brief session of the legislature was held, and a Speech from the Throne was delivered by Premier Doug Ford titled “A Government for the People.” The speech hinted at what the government’s values and general priorities would be for the next four years.

Recommendation: Receive.

d) Date: 2018 July 16
Topic: Implementation of Smoke-Free Ontario Act, 2017
From: KFL&A Public Health
To: Minister Christine Elliott
Background:
On July 16, 2018, the Board of Health for KFL&A Public Health wrote to Minister Christine Elliott expressing concern over the delay in implementing the Smoke-Free Ontario Act, 2017. Refer to item b), above.

Recommendation: Receive.

e) Date: 2018 July 16
Topic: Mandatory Food Literacy Curricula in Ontario Schools
From: Peterborough Public Health
To: The Honourable Christine Elliott, the Honourable Lisa M. Thompson
Background:
On July 16, 2018, Peterborough Public Health wrote to Ministers Elliott and Thompson in support of KFL&A Public Health’s call to examine current school curricula with regard to food literacy, and for the introduction of food literacy and food skills training as a mandatory component of school curricula. KFL&A Public Health’s motion can be referenced in the Board of Health meeting agenda for May 17, 2018.

Recommendation: Receive.

f) Date: 2018 July 20
Topic: 2018 alPHa Conference Proceedings
From: Gordon Fleming, Manager, Public Health Issues, alPHa
To: Boards of Health
Background:
On July 20, 2018, the Association of Local Public Health Agencies (alPHa) released the proceedings of the association’s 2018 conference, held June 10–12, 2018, on the theme of “The Changing Face of Public Health.” Conference highlights included: a guided walking tour of the St. Lawrence neighbourhood, the combined annual business meeting and resolutions session, a panel session exploring key priorities for the public health sector and system sustainability, a discussion with the Chief Medical Officer of Health, a panel discussion convened to discuss local public health approaches to Indigenous engagement, a review of alPHa’s Strategic Plan, a presentation about factoring values into government relations, and the presentation of the 2018 alPHa Distinguished Service Awards.

Recommendation: Receive.

g) Date: 2018 July 19
Topic: Pause in Implementation of Smoke-Free Ontario Act, 2017
From: Windsor-Essex County Health Unit
To: The Honourable Doug Ford
Background:
On July 19, 2018, Windsor and Essex County’s Board of Health wrote to Premier Doug Ford expressing disappointment regarding the pause in implementing the Smoke-Free Ontario Act, 2017, and encouraging the provincial government to move forward with all aspects of the Act as soon as possible. The Board of Health for Windsor and Essex County advised Premier Ford that they are prepared to move forward with implementation of the regulations as they stand.

Recommendation: Receive.
h) Date: 2018 July 23
Topic: Pause in Implementation of Smoke-Free Ontario Act, 2017
From: Chatham-Kent Board of Health
To: The Honourable Doug Ford
Background:
On July 16, 2018, at a special meeting, the Chatham-Kent Board of Health received a staff presentation regarding the pause in implementing the Smoke-Free Ontario Act, 2017 (SFOA 2017). The Board felt there was sufficient evidence to raise concern, and wrote to Premier Doug Ford on July 23, 2018, to urge the government to reconsider implementing SFOA 2017 without delay.

Recommendation: Receive.

i) Date: 2018 July 27
Topic: Implementation of Smoke-Free Ontario Act, 2017
From: Grey Bruce Health Unit
To: The Honourable Doug Ford
Background:
On July 27, 2018, the Board of Health for the Grey Bruce Health Unit wrote to Premier Doug Ford urgently requesting that the provincial government proceed with immediate implementation of the Smoke-Free Ontario Act 2017.

Recommendation: Receive.

j) Date: 2018 August 1
Topic: Ontario Basic Income Pilot
From: Simcoe Muskoka District Health Unit
To: The Honourable Lisa MacLeod
Background:
On August 2, 2018, the Simcoe Muskoka District Health Unit (SMDHU) Board of Health wrote to Minister Lisa MacLeod urging the provincial government to reconsider its intention to cancel the Ontario Basic Income Pilot. SMDHU has been a vocal proponent of the basic income concept since 2015, and is requesting that the provincial and federal governments jointly consider and investigate a basic income guarantee as a policy option for reducing poverty and income insecurity. SMDHU urges the government to maintain the pilot and its planned evaluation.

Recommendation: Receive.

k) Date: 2018 August 1
Topic: Toronto Overdose Action Plan: Status Report 2018
From: Toronto Public Health
To: Interested Parties
Background:
At its meeting on June 18, 2018, the Toronto Board of Health adopted the Toronto Overdose Action Plan: Status Report 2018, which, together with the provincial and federal governments, reinforced the urgency of the opioid poisoning emergency and the critical need to increase actions in response. The Toronto Board of Health urges the Ministry of Health and Long-Term Care to extend the term for overdose prevention sites from six months to twelve and to support the urgent implementation of managed opioid programs. The Toronto Board of Health has requested that the Medical Officer of Health consider these items as next steps in developing the Toronto Drug Strategy. At its meeting on June 26–29, 2018, the Toronto City Council reaffirmed its support for a comprehensive, evidence-based response to the opioid overdose crisis and called on the Province of Ontario to continue its response by supporting and expanding existing provincially funded prevention, harm reduction, and treatment measures in the City of Toronto.

Recommendation: Receive.

l) Date: 2018 August 3
Topic: A Public Health Approach to Drug Policy
From: Toronto Public Health
To: Interested Parties
Background:
At its meeting on July 16, 2018, the Toronto Board of Health adopted the Public Health Approach to Drug Policy and directed that this report from the Medical Officer of Health be forwarded to Ontario Boards of Health and other key stakeholders for information and endorsement. The report calls for the federal government to decriminalize possession of all drugs for personal use and increase prevention, harm reduction, and treatment services.

Recommendation: Receive.

m) Date: 2018 August 3
Topic: Ontario Basic Income Pilot
From: Peterborough Public Health
To: The Honourable Lisa MacLeod
Background:
On August 3, 2018, the Board of Health for Peterborough Public Health wrote to Minister Lisa MacLeod urging her to reconsider the recent decision to cancel the Ontario Basic Income Pilot Project. Refer to correspondence item j), above.

Recommendation: Receive.

n) Date: 2018 August 3
Topic: Student Nutrition Program: Impact of Municipal Plan 2013–2018
From: Toronto Public Health
To: Interested Parties
Background:
At its meeting on July 16, 2018, the Toronto Board of Health adopted the Student Nutrition Program: Impact of Municipal Plan 2013–2018. The Toronto Board of Health requested that Ontario-based public health boards express their support and endorsement for a federal, universal, healthy school food program.

Recommendation: Receive.

o) Date: 2018 August 3
Topic: Ontario Basic Income Research Project and the Reduction in the Scheduled Social Assistance Rate Increase
From: Public Health Sudbury & Districts
To: The Honourable Doug Ford, the Honourable Lisa MacLeod, the Honourable Christine Elliott
Background:
On August 3, 2018, the Board of Health for Public Health Sudbury & Districts wrote to Premier Doug Ford and Ministers Christine Elliott and Lisa MacLeod to express concern regarding the announcement to terminate the Basic Income Research Project, as well as the reduction in the scheduled social assistance rate increase. The Board had previously called for the government to pursue a basic income guarantee policy and to increase social assistance rates.

Recommendation: Receive.

p) Date: 2018 August 8
Topic: Basic Income Research Project and Social Assistance Rate Reduction and Reform
From: Timiskaming Health Unit
To: The Honourable Doug Ford, the Honourable Lisa MacLeod, the Honourable Christine Elliott
Background:
On August 8, 2018, Board of Health for the Timiskaming Health Unit wrote to Premier Doug Ford and Ministers Christine Elliott and Lisa MacLeod expressing concern over the announcement to stop the Basic Income Research Project and the reduction in the scheduled social assistance rate increase. The Board of Health requests that the Ontario government reconsider the decision to cancel the pilot and maintain the planned increase to social assistance rates.

Recommendation: Receive.

q) Date: 2018 August 15
Topic: alPHa Municipal Election Policy Priorities
From: Association of Local Public Health Agencies (alPHa)
To: Board of Health Chairs
Background:
On August 15, 2018, the Association of Local Public Health Agencies (alPHa) issued a set of seven key policy priorities for consideration by electoral candidates in anticipation of the October 22 municipal election. These priorities include: alcohol, cannabis, food insecurity, mental health, opioids, oral health, and tobacco endgame. Much as before, alPHa requests that public health units and their boards of health reach out and share these priorities with local candidates. The customizable templates on the key priorities can be accessed on the alPHa website.

Recommendation: Receive.

r) Date: 2018 August 10
Topic: Basic Income Research Project Cancellation
From: KFL&A Public Health
To: The Honourable Lisa MacLeod
Background:
On August 3, 2018, the Board of Health for KFL&A Public Health wrote to Minister Lisa MacLeod to express disappointment with the decision to cancel Ontario’s Basic Income Pilot and to ask the Ontario government to reconsider its decision. KFL&A’s Board of Health supports the position of the Association of Local Public Health Agencies (alPHa), as outlined in its August 2, 2018 letter to Minister McLeod.

Recommendation: Receive.

s) Date: 2018 August 17
Topic: Cancellation of Basic Income Pilot Project
From: Haliburton, Kawartha, Pine Ridge District Health Unit
To: The Honourable Lisa MacLeod
Background:
On August 17, 2018, the Board of Health for Haliburton, Kawartha, Pine Ridge District Health Unit wrote to Minister Lisa MacLeod urging the Ontario government to reconsider its decision to cancel the Ontario Basic Income Pilot and to ask that the Ontario government reconsider its decision. Refer to correspondence item r), above.

Recommendation: Receive.

t) Date: 2018 August 21
Topic: Ontario Basic Income Pilot Project
From: North Bay Parry Sound District Health Unit
To: The Honourable Doug Ford and the Honourable Lisa MacLeod
Background:
On August 16, 2018, the Board of Health for North Bay Parry Sound District Health Unit wrote to Premier Doug Ford and Minister Lisa MacLeod expressing concern over the decision to cancel the Ontario Basic Income Pilot and to reduce the scheduled increase to Ontario Works and the Ontario Disability Support Program rates. The Board of Health for North Bay Parry Sound District Health Unit urges the Ontario government to reinstate the Ontario Basic Income Pilot and follow through with the evaluation plan, proceed with the scheduled increase in social assistance rates, and refer to the report Income Security: a Roadmap for Change when formulating a plan for social assistance reform.

Recommendation: Receive.

u) Date: 2018 August 30
Topic: Ontario Basic Income Pilot Research Project
From: Leeds, Grenville and Lanark District Health Unit
To: The Honourable Doug Ford, the Honourable Lisa MacLeod, the Honourable Christine Elliott
Background:
On August 3, 2018, the Board of Health for Leeds, Grenville and Lanark District Health Unit wrote to Premier Doug Ford and Ministers Christine Elliott and Lisa MacLeod to express concern regarding the discontinuation of the Ontario Basic Income Pilot and to urge the Ontario government to reinstate the project.

Recommendation: Receive.

Copies of all correspondence are available for perusal from the Secretary-Treasurer. 

Confidential

The Board of Health will move in-camera to discuss matters regarding potential litigation affecting the Middlesex-London Board of Health.

Adjournment