The Board of Health of Wellington-Dufferin-Guelph Public Health Unit met at 4:00 p.m. at the GUELPH Office.
Members in attendance were: Ms. Nancy Sullivan (Chair), Ms. Margaret Abbink, Ms. Christine Billings, Mr. Guy Gardhouse (4:12), Mr. Cam Guthrie (4:10), Mr. Dennis Lever, Ms. Nancy MacDonald, Mr. Ken McGhee, Mr. Lambert Otten, and Mr. Allen Taylor
Member(s) with regrets: Mr. George Bridge, Ms. June Hofland and Mr. Chris White
Ex-officio member(s) in attendance: Dr. Mercer, Medical Officer of Health & CEO.
Staff members in attendance were: Mr. Chris Beveridge, Ms. Liz Bowden, Ms. Rita Isley, Mr. Kyle Wilson, Ms. Amy Estill, Mr. Chuck Ferguson, Ms. Marlene Jantzi-Bauman, Ms. Jennifer MacLeod, Ms. Jessica Morris, Ms. Shanna O’Dwyer, Ms. Liz Robson, Ms. Janice Walters, Mr. Shawn Zentner, Ms. Tori Walters and Ms. Shelley Nuhn (Recording Secretary).
Guests in attendance were: Dr. Matthew Tenenbaum and Ms. Jaime Myslik, Wellington Advertiser (Press).
1.0 Call to Order
N. Sullivan called the meeting to order at 4:02 p.m.
N. Sullivan welcomed the BOH members and Ms. Jaime Myslik from the Wellington Advertiser.
Status of BOH Vacancies
- Reappointment application has been submitted for A. Taylor (expiry Sept. 17, 2018). The MOHLTC has advised that a delay is expected in acquiring the Minister’s approval of all provincial appointments. In the event that A. Taylor’s reappointment has not been approved by the Minister by the October 3rd BOH meeting, D. Lever has agreed to Chair.
Annual Staff Day
- The WDGPH annual Staff Day will be held on November 28th. This event offers an opportunity for professional development for staff and BOH members.
BOH Retreat
The annual BOH Retreat is scheduled for October 3rd.
- Notice will be sent out to confirm attendance. BOH members will be advised if the event is to be rescheduled.
2.0 Disclosure(s) of Pecuniary Interest There are no disclosures of pecuniary interest declared at this time.
3.0 Delegation
None
4.0 Approval of Minutes
- MOTION: “To approve the Minutes of June 6, 2018, as presented.”
- Moved: L. Otten
- Seconded: K. McGhee
- CARRIED
5.0 MOH Updates
Well Water Testing Survey
- The survey is going very well with over 560 surveys completed, a majority of which were completed online (59%).
- Findings show that 30% of the respondents did not intend to submit a water sample for testing. 60% indicated they would sign up for an email reminder.
- WDGPH expressed thanks to the municipalities for advertising the survey on their websites.
- (4:10) C. Guthrie arrived
- In September, staff will begin to cross-reference the survey results with water sample results.
Vector Borne Diseases
- Active surveillance of ticks, for Lyme disease and mosquitoes, for West Nile Virus (WNV) has occurred. Trends compared between 2017 and 2018 reflect no increase.
- One mosquito pool showed positive for WNV compared to three pools in 2017.
- (4:12) G. Guardhouse arrived.
Rabies
- Rabies activity was high over the summer months with 234 investigations. The most common species exposed were cats and dogs.
- Media coverage was initiated after a rabid bat was retrieved at a local public beach. A small number of individuals started post-exposure treatment as a result.
- Provincially, raccoon strain is currently at 427 and fox strain is at 20 cases. 2,400 animals have been tested and over 636,000 baits have been dropped.
TB Outbreak
- Significant staff resources have been allocated to the investigation of a large TB exposure. Testing of contacts and exposures has been initiated.
- Ongoing testing will continue next week to determine the potential impact of this exposure.
6.0 Presentation(s)
WDGPH Interactive Reports
- Dr. Mercer introduced J. MacLeod who provided the BOH with a brief overview and demonstration of how to navigate within the interactive reports. WDGPH has been transitioning to interactive reports to accommodate the increased requirements for data by community partners to inform healthcare planning.
- The interactive reports were launched to the Guelph community in June, with demonstrations held at the WDGPH office. Dates for presentations in Dufferin County are forthcoming.
- The interactive reports are a powerful tool to build a library of information locally. BOH members are encouraged to share this information with their municipalities and to contact WDGPH with feedback.
- N. Sullivan congratulated J. MacLeod and the Health Analytics team for the success of this endeavour.
7.0 Business Arising
By-Law No. 1
N. Sullivan presented By-Law No. 1 for introduction and first and second readings of the 2018 By-Law No. 1 of the Board of Health for the Wellington-Dufferin-Guelph Health Unit:
BY-LAW NUMBER 1
A By-law being the general by-law of the Board of Health for the Wellington- Dufferin-Guelph Health Unit.
MOTION: “That leave be given to introduce and read a first and second time By-law No. 1 inclusive, as presented.”
- Moved: N. Sullivan
- Seconded: D. Lever
- CARRIED
N. Sullivan and Dr. Mercer presented the proposed changes to By-Law No. 1. Following discussion and amendments, the BOH approved the changes as presented.
MOTION: “That the 2018 By-law No. 1 of the Board of Health for the Wellington-Dufferin-Health Unit, consisting of the following: By-law No 1 as amended– Being the General By-law, be read a third time and finally passed.
- Moved: N. Sullivan
- Seconded: K. McGhee
- CARRIED
8.0 Consent Agenda
- BH.01.SEP0518.C12 – 2018 Mid-Year Inspection Disclosure Program Performance Indicator Summary – Program/Service Information Report.
- BH.01.SEP0518.C13 – 2018 Mid-Year Food Safety Program Performance Indicator Summary – Program/Service Information Report.
- BH.01.SEP0518.C14 – 2018 Mid-Year Safe Water Program Performance Indicator Summary – Program/Service Information Report.
- BH.01.SEP0518.C15 – 2018 Mid-Year Control of Infectious Diseases Program Performance Indicator Summary – Program/Service Information Report.
- BH.01.SEP0518.C16 – Physical Activity and Sedentary Behaviour 2018 – Program/Service Information Report.
N. Sullivan congratulated C. Beveridge and the Health Protection team for the effective use of dashboard reporting.
MOTION: (a)
“That the Board of Health receive the Consent Agenda items, which have been given due consideration, for information.”
- Moved: A. Taylor
- Seconded: G. Guardhouse
- CARRIED
9.0 BOH Report(s)
BH.01.SEP0518.R20 – Prenatal Evaluation
Dr. Mercer reviewed the contents of Report BH.01.SEP0518.R20.
MOTION: (a)
“That the Board of Health receive BOH Report BH.01.SEP0518.R20 – Prenatal Evaluation, as presented, for information.”
- Moved: M Abbink
- Seconded: C. Guthrie
- CARRIED
BH.01.SEP0518.R21 – Immunization for Children in Schools and Licensed Child Care Settings
Dr. Mercer reviewed the contents of Report BH.01.SEP0518.R21.
MOTION: (a)
“That the Board of Health receive BOH Report BH.01.SEP0518.R21 – Immunization for Children in Schools and Licensed Child Care Settings, as presented, for information.”
- Moved: C. Billings
- Seconded: K. McGhee
- CARRIED
BH.01.SEP0518.R22 – Smoke-Free Ontario Act (SFOA), 2017
Dr. Mercer reviewed the contents of Report BH.01.SEP0518.R22.
MOTION: (a)
“That the Board of Health receive BOH Report BH.01.SEP0518.R22 – Smoke-Free Ontario Act (SFOA), 2017, as presented, for information.”
- Moved: C. Guthrie
- Seconded: G. Guardhouse
- CARRIED
MOTION: (b)
“That the Board of Health send a letter to Minister Christine Elliott urging the provincial government to proceed with the implementation of the vaping regulations within the SFOA, 2017 and to prohibit: 1) the use of water pipes in all public spaces where tobacco smoking is prohibited, and 2) smoking and vaping on all post-secondary education campuses.
- Moved: C. Guthrie
- Seconded: G. Guardhouse
- CARRIED
BH.01.SEP0518.R23 – Ontario Sexual Health Curriculum
Dr. Mercer reviewed the contents of Report BH.01.SEP0518.R23.
MOTION: (a)
“That the Board of Health receive BOH Report BH.01.SEP0518.R23 – Ontario Sexual Health Curriculum 7, as presented, for information.”
- Moved: C. Guthrie
- Seconded: C. Billings
- CARRIED
MOTION: (b) “That the Board of Health send a letter to the Minister of Education requesting that public health representation participate in the consultation taking place by the Ministry on the sexual health curriculum.
- Moved: C. Guthrie
- Seconded: C. Billings
- CARRIED
BH.01.SEP0518.R24 – WDGPH Interactive Reports
Dr. Mercer reviewed the contents of Report BH.01.SEP0518.R24.
MOTION: (a) “That the Board of Health receive BOH Report BH.01.SEP0518.R24 – WDGPH Interactive Reports, as presented, for information.”
- Moved: K. McGhee
- Seconded: C. Guthrie
- CARRIED
BH.01.SEP0518.R25 – Rural Wellington Leadership Table
Dr. Mercer reviewed the contents of Report BH.01.SEP0518.R25.
MOTION: (a) “That the Board of Health receive BOH Report BH.01.SEP0518.R25 – Rural Wellington Leadership Table, as presented, for information.”
- Moved: C. Guthrie
- Seconded: G. Guardhouse
- CARRIED
BH.01.SEP0518.R26 – Cannabis Legalization Update
Dr. Mercer reviewed the contents of Report BH.01.SEP0518.R26.
- N. Sullivan will take as a direction from the BOH to cc the local Federal Government politicians in her letter to the Minister of Health and Long Term Care, as a courtesy.
- (5:28) C. Guthrie left meeting.
- (5:29) C. Billings left meeting.
- (5:32) C. Billings returned to the meeting.
MOTION: (a) “That the Board of Health receive BOH Report BH.01.SEP0518.R26 – Cannabis Legalization Update, as presented, for information.”
- Moved: L. Otten
- Seconded: A. Taylor
- CARRIED
MOTION: (b) “That the Board of Health send a letter to the Ontario Government encouraging them to: 1) provide ongoing dedicated funding to local public health agencies to support local cannabis-related programming and enforcement, 2) involve public health in future cannabis policy and programming decisions.
- Moved: L. Otten
- Seconded: A. Taylor
- CARRIED
10.0 Committee (Verbal) Report(s)
Audit Committee Report:
- NONE.
Executive Committee Report:
- NONE.
Finance + Facilities Committee Report:
- NONE.
Human Resources Committee Report:
- NONE.
11.0 Correspondence
- MP, Wellington-Halton Hills, Letter of May 29, 2018 to Minister of Health re Request for Budget Increase to P2P Program.
- Minister of Health, Letter of July 5, 2018 in Response to WDGPH BOH Request for Budget Increase to P2P Program
- The Minister of Health, has indicated they will not provide additional funding for CPNP (P2P). WDGPH will look at all possible means to ensure the program is in alignment with funding received.
- Chatham-Kent Board of Health, Letter of July 23, 2018 to Premier of Ontario re Pause in Implementation of the Smoke-Free Ontario Act, 2017
- Grey Bruce Board of Health, Letter of July 27, 2018 to Premier of Ontario re Implementation of Smoke-Free Ontario Act, 2017
- Simcoe Muskoka Board of Health, Letter of August 1, 2018 to Minister of Children, Community and Social Services re Ontario Basic Income Pilot
- Toronto Board of Health, Letter of August 1, 2018 re Toronto Overdose Action Plan: Status Report 2018 (Item HL27.1)
- Toronto Board of Health, Letter of August 3, 2018 re A Public Health Approach to Drug Policy (Item HL28.2)
- Toronto Board of Health, Letter of August 3, 2018 re Student Nutrition Program: Impact of Municipal Plan 2013-2018 (Item HL28.5)
- Peterborough Board of Health, Letter of August 3, 2018 to Minister of Children, Community and Social Services re Ontario Basic Income Pilot Project
- Sudbury & Districts Board of Health, Letter of August 3, 2018 to Premier of Ontario, Minister of Children, Community and Social Services, and Minister of Health and Long-Term Care re Ontario Basic Income Research Project and the Reduction in the Scheduled Social Assistance Rate Increase
- Timiskaming Board of Health, Letter of August 8, 2018 to Premier of Ontario, Minister of Children, Community and Social Services, and Minister of Health and Long-Term Care re Basic Income Research Project and Social Assistance Rate Reduction and Reform
- North Bay Parry Sound Board of Health, Letter of August 16, 2018 to Premier of Ontario and Minister of Children, Community and Social Services re Ontario Basic Income Pilot
- Haliburton, Kawartha, Pine Ridge District Board of Health, Letter of August 17, 2018 to Minister of Children, Community and Social Services re Cancellation of the Basic Income Pilot Project
MOTION: (a) “That the Board of Health receive the above-noted Correspondence, as presented, for information.”
- Moved: K. McGhee
- Seconded: A. Taylor
- CARRIED
12.0 CLOSED SESSION
- To approve the June 6, 2018 Closed Session BOH Minutes.
- Closed Session BOH Report:
- BH.01.SEP0518.R27 – Associate Medical Officer of Health (AMOH) [personal matters about an identifiable individual, including BOH employees] + [labour relations or employee negotiations] .
- MOH Update(s) [personal matters about an identifiable individual, including BOH employees].
(5:30) MOTION: “To move into Closed Session to approve Closed Session BOH Minutes of June 6, 2018; to review/discuss Closed Session BOH Report BH.01.SEP0518.R27 – Associate Medical Officer of Health (AMOH) [personal matters about an identifiable individual, including BOH employees] + [labour relations or employee negotiations]; and to obtain/discuss MOH Update(s) [personal matters about an identifiable individual, including BOH employees].”
- Moved: G. Guardhouse
- Seconded: D. Lever
- CARRIED
CLOSED SESSION
Members in attendance were: Ms. Nancy Sullivan (Chair), Ms. Margaret Abbink, Ms. Christine Billings, Mr. Guy Gardhouse, Mr. Dennis Lever, Ms. Nancy MacDonald, Mr. Ken McGhee, Mr. Lambert Otten and Mr. Allen Taylor.
Member(s) with regrets were: Mr. George Bridge, Mr. Cam Guthrie, Ms. June Hofland and Mr. Chris White
Ex-officio member(s) in attendance were: Dr. Mercer, Medical Officer of Health & CEO.
Staff member(s) in attendance were: Mr. Christopher Beveridge, Ms. Liz Bowden, Ms. R. Isley, Mr. K. Wilson and Ms. Shelley Nuhn (Recording Secretary).
Guest(s) in attendance were: NONE.
CLOSED SESSION MINUTES TO BE PROVIDED UNDER SEPARATE COVER.
(5:56) Returned to Open Session.
MOTION: “To Ratify the Closed Session Decisions of the September 5, 2018 Board of Health meeting.”
- Moved: G. Guardhouse
- Seconded: N. MacDonald
- CARRIED
Motions brought forward from Closed Session:
BH.01.SEP0518.R27 – Associate Medical Officer of Health
(a) MOTION: “That the Board of Health receive report BH.01.SEP0518.R27 for information.”
- Moved: A. Taylor
- Seconded: L. Otten
- CARRIED
(b) MOTION: “That the Board of Health accepts the recommendation of the selection committee to approve the appointment of Dr. Matthew Tenenbaum as Associate Medical Officer of Health (AMOH) for Wellington-Dufferin-Guelph Public Health, pending the approval of the Minister of Health and Long-Term Care.”
- Moved: A. Taylor
- Seconded: L. Otten
- CARRIED
13.0 Adjournment
The meeting was adjourned at 5:58 p.m. MOTION: “To adjourn the meeting.”
- Moved: D. Lever
- Seconded: N. MacDonald
- CARRIED
