Board of Health April 16 Meeting Summary
Written by Communications, April 23, 2019
2019 Ontario Budget Announcements
Dr. Salvaterra gave a presentation about the potential impact of the proposed $200 million provincial cut to the public health budget and the consolidation of 35 health units to 10 regional public health agencies. She explained the budget announcements signal the very likely dissolution of Peterborough Public Health as it currently exists.
While many details are still not known, the following details were included in the provincial budget:
- Ontario’s 35 health units would be replaced with 10 mega-health units. It is unclear where Peterborough would land in any large amalgamation, or whether these new configurations would still have municipal engagement and/or funding.
- Total provincial funding for public health will be reduced by $200 million over the next two years. The province currently provides $743 million to local public health, so would represent a significant cut of almost 30%.
- Public Health Ontario and its laboratory services (PHL) to be “modernized and streamlined”. Although the wording is obscure, a reduction in PHL sites (currently there is a lab here in Peterborough) has been announced.
- Public health will begin offering dental services to low-income seniors by next winter.
With the exception of the last one, these announcements may represent the largest change in direction in the history of public health in Ontario.
It appears that there will be one model of governance for all 10 boards. There are no details as to whether these boards will be co-funded by municipalities and whether they will be achieved through amalgamations or represent a completely new structure for public health governance and service delivery. Municipalities are legally obligated to deliver public health programs according to the Ontario Public Health Standards, however there is also no information if this mandate will change.
The $200 million budget cut represents 27% of total provincial public health spending and is far deeper than can be achieved through back office efficiencies. Larry Stinson, Director of Operations explained a 27% cut would work out to a $2.4 million reduction to the current PPH operating budget. To provide some context, a reduction this size equates to the cost of the Infectious Disease Control program ($1.27 million) and Chronic Disease Prevention program ($1.13 million). At a provincial level, initial calculations showed that the elimination of all director positions and 25 Medical Officers of Health would only save $40 million. This means the remaining $160 million could only be realized by reducing public health services and programs.
Board of Health members voiced several concerns, including what would happen under this new system if there’s a local public health emergency without a local Medical Officer of Health. It was suggested that the lack of transparency on the proposed adjustment to the cost-sharing formula implies an attempt to download costs onto municipal ratepayers. Board members expressed concern as well for the welfare of vulnerable populations who benefit the most from public health work. The board also noted an urgent need for the province to consult with the public, and with municipal partners, regarding these transformative changes.
The board decided to form a working group to develop an advocacy and communication strategy. This group will bring forward some initial recommendations to the next Board of Health meeting.
Next meeting:
The next meeting will take place on Wednesday, May 8, 2019 at 5:30 p.m. in the Curve Lake Health Centre / Oshkiigmong MnoBmaadziwin Gamiing, located at 38 Whetung Street East, Curve Lake First Nation.