Changes to Public Health in Ontario
On April 11, 2019, the provincial government announced significant changes to the provincial funding and structure of public health in Ontario. These changes include reducing public health funding by 27% and consolidating 35 health units into 10 regional public health entities. The public health sector was not consulted on these changes. During the first two weeks of May, Ministry of Health officials shared the proposed boundaries of the 10 new regional public health entities during individual calls with all 35 health units. On May 27, 2019, Premier Doug Ford announced a delay in the retroactive cuts to municipal budgets which will now take effect April 1, 2020. Plans to amalgamate boards of health continue and the Ministry of Health has stated it will consult with municipalities and boards of health on the proposed boundaries in the coming months. Their goal is to is to bring legislation forward in the fall of 2019 so the new regional entities can be in place for April 1, 2020.
Peterborough Public Health is committed to keeping our community informed of the details as we learn them. We will also share the efforts of our Board of Health to work with the province to ensure the health and safety of local residents remains strong and reflects the unique public health needs of our communities.
January 21, 2020 – Board of Health Proposes Principles to Guide Future of Ontario’s Public Health System
August 26, 2019 – Board of Health Responds to Recent Provincial Public Health Announcements
June 10, 2019 – Public Health Units Ask Ontario Government to Defer and Consult on Changes to Public Health System
May 15, 2019 – County Motion Calls on Province to Maintain 70% Funding Ratio for Public Health Programs
May 6, 2019 – Peterborough County-City Board of Health Vice Chair Kerri Davies Remarks to Toronto Board of Health
April 16, 2019 – Emergency Board of Health Meeting Planned for April 16
FACT SHEETS / REPORTS:
Peterborough Public Health Modernization Survey Submission (February 2020)
The Modernization of Public Health – Board of Health Position Paper (January 2020)
Impact of New Governance Model (Updated January 2020)
Impact of Healthy Public Policy (October 2019)
Literature Review: Structure of Public Health (August 2019)
Changes to Public Health Funding (May 2019)