Minutes - January 23, 2025 - Board of Health Meeting

Thursday, January 23, 2025 at 7 p.m.
MLHU Board Room – CitiPlaza
110-355 Wellington Street
London, ON N6A 3N7

Members Present: 

Michael Steele (2025 Chair-Appoint)
Michelle Smibert (2025 Vice-Chair-Appoint)
Matthew Newton-Reid
Selomon Menghsha (attended virtually)
Aina DeViet
Howard Shears
Skylar Franke (arrived at 7:06 p.m.)
Michael McGuire (attended virtually)
Emily Williams, Chief Executive Officer (ex-officio)
Dr. Alexander Summers, Medical Officer of Health (ex-officio)

Regrets:

Peter Cuddy

Others Present:

Stephanie Egelton, Executive Assistant to the Board of Health (recorder)
Dr. Joanne Kearon, Associate Medical Officer of Health
Jennifer Proulx, Director, Family and Community Health
Sarah Maaten, Director, Public Health Foundations
Ryan Fawcett, Associate Director, Operations/Privacy Officer
Cynthia Bos, Associate Director, Human Resources and Labour Relations
Christian Daboud, Manager, Health Equity and Indigenous Reconciliation
Samah Osman, Health Promotion Specialist
Elder Valerie George
Ida Cornelius, Health Administrator, Oneida Nation of the Thames
Kim Fisher, Health Director, Chippewas of the Thames First Nation Health Centre
Darrell Jutzi, Manager, Municipal and Community Health Promotion
Sarah Neil, Public Health Nurse
Heather Thomas, Health Promotion Specialist
Linda Stobo, Manager, Social Marketing and Health Systems Partnerships
Parthiv Panchal, End User Support Analyst, Information Technology
Dr. Janice Mok, Medical Resident, Public Health and Preventative Medicine
Lilka Young, Health and Safety Advisor
Mustafa Sharif, Coordinator, Receiving and Operations
Ethan Chi, Community Member
Darryl Ntow, Public Health Nurse
Janet Roukema, Human Resources Specialist, Diversity and Inclusion

Outgoing 2024 Secretary and Treasurer Emily Williams called the meeting to order at 7 p.m.

E. Williams introduced Elder Valerie George to provide a reflection for the year 2025.

Meeting Procedures

Election of 2025 Board of Health Executive and Other Procedures (Report No. 01-25)

Outgoing Secretary and Treasurer Williams introduced election and appointment procedures for the positions of Chair, Vice Chair, Secretary and Treasurer to the 2025 Board of Health.

E. Williams opened the floor to nominations for the position of Chair of the Board of Health for 2025.

It was moved by M. Newton-Reid, seconded by A. DeViet, that Michael Steele be nominated for Chair of the Board of Health for 2025.
Carried

Michael Steele accepted the nomination.

E. Williams invited further nominations. Hearing none, it was moved by M. Newton-Reid, seconded by M. Smibert, that Michael Steele be appointed as Chair of the Board of Health for 2025.
Carried

Michael Steele took over as Board Chair presiding over the meeting.

Chair Steele opened the floor to nominations for the position of Vice-Chair of the Board of Health for 2025.

It was moved by M. Newton-Reid, seconded by H. Shears, that Michelle Smibert be nominated for Vice-Chair of the Board of Health for 2025.
Carried

Michelle Smibert accepted the nomination.

Chair Steele invited further nominations. Hearing none, it was moved by M. Newton-Reid, seconded by H. Shears, that Michelle Smibert be appointed as Vice-Chair of the Board of Health for 2025.
Carried

Chair Steele opened the floor to nominations for the position of Secretary of the Board of Health for 2025.

It was moved by M. Newton-Reid, seconded by S. Franke, that Emily Williams be nominated as Secretary of the Board of Health for 2025.
Carried
Emily Williams accepted the nomination.

Chair Steele invited further nominations. Hearing none, it was moved by M. Newton-Reid, seconded by S. Franke, that Emily Williams be appointed as Secretary of the Board of Health for 2025.
Carried

Chair Steele opened the floor to nominations for the position of Treasurer of the Board of Health for 2025.

It was moved by M. Newton-Reid, seconded by M. Smibert, that Emily Williams be nominated as Treasurer of the Board of Health for 2025.
Carried

Emily Williams accepted the nomination.

Chair Steele invited further nominations. Hearing none, it was moved by M. Newton-Reid, seconded by A. DeViet, that Emily Williams be appointed as Treasurer of the Board of Health for 2025.
Carried

Appointment of 2025 Board of Health Committees (Report No. 02-25)

Chair Steele noted that under Section 2.1(b) of Board of Health Policy G-280 (Board Size and Composition), the Board determines whether it wishes to establish one or more standing committees at its first meeting of the year. The Board of Health currently has three standing committees: Finance and Facilities, Governance, and Performance Appraisals. It is proposed that for 2025, the Governance Committee be disbanded and a new committee be struck, called the Quality and Governance Committee.

Emily Williams, Incoming Secretary explained the new proposed committee, the Quality and Governance Committee. This committee would include policy review that the previous Governance Committee conducted, with the addition of providing the Committee (to the Board) quality-related reporting such as strategic planning, organizational performance, privacy statistics, and risk management.

Chair Steele noted that the first proposed meeting of the Quality and Governance Committee would be on Thursday, February 20 at 6 p.m. If the Board approves the striking of this new committee, full Terms of Reference would be provided at the first meeting.

It was moved by M. Smibert, seconded by M. Newton-Reid, that the Board of Health:
1) Approve disbanding of the Governance Committee; and
2) Approve striking of the Quality and Governance Committee
Carried

Chair Steele invited interested members to be on the Quality and Governance Committee. It was noted that the Chair and Vice-Chair of the Board of Health sit on the Committee automatically.

Matthew (Matt) Newton-Reid and Aina DeViet declared interest to be on the Quality and Governance Committee.

Vice-Chair Smibert sought clarification on membership requirements for the committee. Chair Steele noted that himself as Chair satisfied the provincial appointment requirement and herself as Vice-Chair satisfied the County of Middlesex requirement.

It was moved by H. Shears, seconded by M. Newton-Reid, that Michael Steele, Michelle Smibert, Matthew Newton-Reid and Aina DeViet be appointed to the Quality and Governance Committee for 2025.
Carried

Chair Steele invited interested members to be on the Finance and Facilities Committee. It was noted that the Chair and Vice-Chair of the Board of Health sit on the Committee automatically.

Matthew Newton-Reid, Howard Shears and Selomon Menghsha declared interest to be on the Finance and Facilities Committee.

It was moved by A. DeViet, seconded by M. Smibert, that Michael Steele, Michelle Smibert, Matthew Newton-Reid, Howard Shears and Selomon Menghsha be appointed to the Finance & Facilities Committee for 2025.
Carried
Chair Steele invited interested members to be on the Performance Appraisal Committee. It was noted that the Chair and Vice-Chair of the Board of Health sit on the Committee automatically and the first meeting would be in Q2 at the call of the Chair.

Matthew Newton-Reid and Selomon Menghsha declared interest to be on the Performance Appraisal Committee.

It was moved by M. Newton-Reid, seconded by M. Smibert, that Michael Steele, Michelle Smibert, Matthew Newton-Reid and Selomon Menghsha be appointed to the Performance Appraisal Committee for 2025.
Carried

Chair Steele highlighted that the draft 2025 Board of Health and Committee Reporting Calendar is a combined calendar for all Board and Committee business and was presented for approval.

It was moved by M. Newton-Reid, seconded by S. Franke, that the Board of Health approve the 2025 Board of Health and Committee Reporting Calendar.
Carried

Amending the 2025 Board of Health and Committee Schedule (Report No. 03-25)

E. Williams noted that there are proposed changes to the 2025 meeting schedule. The original schedule was approved by the Board of Health during the October 17, 2024 meeting. Since this meeting, it has been announced that the Association of Local Public Health Agencies (alPHa) Annual General Meeting is during the June 2025 Board meeting, and it is proposed that this Board meeting be cancelled. Further to the addition of the Quality and Governance Committee, the disbanding of the Governance Committee and amending the schedule of the Finance and Facilities Committee, the schedule needs to be revised as such.

There were no questions or discussion.

It was moved by S. Franke, seconded by M. Smibert, that the Board of Health:
1) Receive Report No. 03-25 re: “Amending the 2025 Board Meeting Schedule for information;
2) Amend the 2025 Board Meeting Schedule to cancel the June 19, 2025 Board of Health meeting; and
3) Amend the cadence of the Finance and Facilities Committee meetings, Governance Committee meetings and Quality and Governance Committee meetings as outlined in Appendix A.
Carried

Disclosure of Pecuniary Interest

Chair Steele inquired if there were any disclosures of pecuniary interest. None were declared.

Approval of Agenda

It was moved by S. Franke, seconded by M. Newton-Reid, that the AGENDA for the January 23, 2025 Board of Health meeting be approved.
Carried

Dr. Alexander Summers, Medical Officer of Health introduced Dr. Janice Mok, Public Health and Preventative Medicine Resident to the Board of Health. Dr. Mok is doing her residency at Queen’s University in Kingston and will be doing her public health rotation at the Health Unit until April 4.

Approval of Minutes

It was moved by M. Smibert, seconded by A. DeViet, that the Board of Health approve the MINUTES of the December 12, 2024 Board of Health meeting.
Carried

New Business

Taking Action for Reconciliation Plan Implementation Progress Report (Report No. 04-25)

Sarah Maaten, Director, Public Health Foundations introduced Ida Cornelius, Health Administrator, Oneida Nation of the Thames; Kim Fisher, Health Director, Chippewas of the Thames First Nation Health Centre; and Christian Daboud, Manager, Health Equity and Indigenous Reconciliation at the MLHU to discuss work ongoing between Indigenous partners and the Health Unit.

C. Daboud explained that the Health Unit’s Taking Action for Reconciliation Plan was commissioned several years ago and guides the Health Unit’s efforts to support reconciliation, improve Indigenous health outcomes and collaboration with Indigenous communities and organizations. These organizations include:
• Southwest Ontario Aboriginal Health Access Centre (SOAHAC);
• Atlohsa Family Healing Services;
• N’Amerind Friendship Centre;
• Chippewas of the Thames First Nation;
• Munsee-Delaware Nation; and
• Oneida Nation of the Thames.

The Health Equity and Reconciliation team (HEART) is leading action-oriented implementation of 65 recommendations within 7 groupings:
• Relationships
• Governance
• Equitable Access and Service Delivery
• Awareness and Education
• Workforce Development
• Supportive Environments
• Research

C. Daboud noted that this report and delegation would focus on 3 of the 7 groupings: Relationships, Governance, and Equitable Access and Service Delivery.

The Health Unit has prioritized building respectful and trusting relationships with First Nations communities and with Indigenous-led organizations through frequent, consistent and purposeful interaction. This includes regular in-person and virtual meetings with Indigenous colleagues (both health centres and organizations) to work together as equals. These communications and relationships have helped the Health Unit understand the health priorities of Indigenous partners, and with this information the Health Unit has undertaken collaborative efforts to address health issues with teams such as Healthy Babies, Healthy Children, Infectious Disease Control and Vaccine Preventable Disease.

The Health Unit is committed to support the self determination of Indigenous communities around public health matters through governance. An example of this work are the collaborative efforts with local First Nations Health Centres in executing Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) agreements to share information to prevent the transmission of communicable diseases. An MOU has been executed between the Health Unit and the Oneida Nation of the Thames Health Centre.
The Health Unit has been working with urban and on reserve organizations to increase access to public health services. The Vaccine Preventable Disease team has offered mobile vaccine clinics and supports to increase access to vaccines to Indigenous community members and the Healthy Babies, Healthy Children team is working with residents and Indigenous health centres to increase mutual capacity to serve Indigenous mothers and babies.

C. Daboud concluded that for 2025, engagement efforts will focus on sustaining the relationships that have been developed. Data governance (data collection) mechanisms that align with First Nation Principles of Ownership, Control, Access and Possession (OCAP) will be explored and developed in collaboration with Indigenous partners. Efforts will be made to identify local health inequities through the disaggregation of health outcome data by Indigenous identity. It was also noted that finalizing and implementing the MOU’s currently in negotiation and seeking ways to support Indigenous-led urban organizations will also be explored in 2025.

I. Cornelius thanked the Board of Health for their invitation to speak about Oneida Nation of the Thames’ experience with the Health Unit. Further, I. Cornelius thanked Health Unit staff for rebuilding and strengthening positive relationships over the past two years especially over the COVID-19 pandemic. It was noted that previously, Oneida Nation experienced concern around communicable disease management notification. Oneida Nation had support from the Health Unit for the mass vaccination clinics and associated learning from putting the clinics together for the community.

I. Cornelius noted that there were meetings between the Health Unit, local community health directors and Indigenous Services Canada to support Oneida and work through concerns respectfully. During this time, Oneida Health Centre experienced staff turnover similar to other areas of the healthcare sector, and are making progress on recruitment. Oneida Nation continue to strategize, collaborate within and to maintain programs and services for those within the community.

K. Fisher thanked the Board of Health for their invitation to speak about the Chippewas of the Thames First Nation’s experience with the Health Unit. K. Fisher noted that the Chippewas of the Thames had their own COVID-19 testing site and vaccination clinic (staffed by First Nation Health Nurses) which allowed for the community to take control and provide a valuable support for the community to contain outbreaks. K. Fisher reflected on when vaccines were available to the community and Indigenous individuals were considered a priority, that the community was not hesitant and began to roll up their sleeves to protect elders and themselves. Education on vaccination was also conducted to support the community, and the Chippewas of the Thames appreciated the support from the Health Unit during this time, especially when sister nations were losing their members to COVID-19 and information was changing often.

K. Fisher acknowledged that the Health Unit and the Chippewas of the Thames have not executed an MOU at this time due to health human resource challenges but hope to continue to work on an MOU for the future. K. Fisher noted that many nurses within the community experienced burnout and moved to other roles. K. Fisher reflected on the priorities of her community, such as housing, homelessness, security and equitable healthcare access. Housing and homelessness for both on reserve and off reserve has become a major issue. Reservations are lacking housing, which results in individuals moving to larger cities or not having homes to live in and a lack of security. Indigenous community members also experience gaps in equitable healthcare access, which has come to the forefront in recent years. K. Fisher noted that she hopes to continue working with partners such as the Health Unit, provincial government and federal government to work to resolve these concerns.

Dr. Alexander Summers, Medical Officer of Health thanked I. Cornelius and K. Fisher for coming to the Board of Health meeting, and noted the Health Unit’s gratefulness for their partnership and learning. Dr. Summers noted that the following day (January 24) is the five-year anniversary of Middlesex-London’s first COVID-19 case and the relationships that have been built. The Health Unit has been taught much by its Indigenous partners and Dr. Summers emphasized how serious the Health Unit takes these relationships.
Board Member Matthew Newton-Reid commented that it is good to see that the Health Unit is focusing on reconciliation and improving relationships with Indigenous partners. M. Newton-Reid noted that experiences and challenges that Indigenous partners are having with equitable healthcare access is not seen in the media and it is important for people to be aware of it.

K. Fisher noted that representatives from the Health Unit have visited the Chippewas of the Thames community, where food and drumming was shared with each other and a quilt was presented to the Health Unit (which hangs in the Board Room).

It was moved by S. Franke, seconded by A. DeViet, that the Board of Health receive Report No. 04-25 re: “Taking Action for Reconciliation Plan Implementation Progress Report” for information.
Carried

2025 Health Promotion Priorities (Report No. 05-25)

Jennifer Proulx, Director, Family and Community Health and Dr. Summers presented the 2025 Health Promotion Priorities for the Middlesex-London Health Unit.

Dr. Summers explained that as part of the Health Unit’s restructuring, the Health Unit had to reorganize how it determines what work the organization would be doing. Teams were now built around interventions. Dr. Summers explained that over the past few years, annual prioritization has become more comprehensive and substantive for health promotion work. This planning allows the organization to dedicate focused energy on a smaller number of high impact areas to make a population level impact. Dr. Summers noted that the full list of interventions is in Appendix A. Priorities for 2025 were identified through consultation with leadership and he will continue to expand the process in the years to come.

J. Proulx noted that Appendix B outlines the topics within the Ontario Public Health Standards that were prioritized for 2025 and the specific health promotion-oriented interventions that have been assigned to address the priorities. With the process complete, teams are now engaging in developing and implementing their operational plans. The Senior Leadership Team continues to evaluate and refine the prioritization framework with a goal of enhancing engagement and consultation as we look to the process for 2026.

Board Member M. Newton-Reid inquired why cannabis and other drugs were not identified for further social marketing or education. Dr. Summers explained that the substances in the community that are significantly impacting morbidity and mortality are alcohol, tobacco and opioids. Dr. Summers noted that the lower burden of illness of cannabis does not diminish the health impacts of cannabis at this time and comprehensive campaigns will not occur this year but is still being supported through work with school boards in tobacco education. It was also reminded that cannabis policy windows remain open in reducing
the availability of cannabis products from a sale and retail perspective whereas tobacco has a closed policy window. This allows the organization to make strategic decisions and to double policy efforts in other areas.

M. Newton-Reid followed up inquiring if there was more funding available to public health, what priorities would the Health Unit include for 2025. Dr. Summers provided an example that poverty reduction would be a priority, as no other single social determinant of health consistently impacts poor health outcomes in the same way. Other examples include basic income guarantee, and a living wage.

Board Member Aina DeViet inquired if health promotion priorities are differentiated to prioritize the rural population in Middlesex County and what resources are available. Dr. Summers noted that the Health Unit does consider the priority areas such as whether certain groups in the community are more impacted by negative health outcomes. This includes an equity oriented focus, such as with Indigenous persons and the Black community. Differences in rural and urban health outcomes is another area where the Health Unit has to consider health inequities, including access to health care, which may inform services as well. Dr. Summers acknowledged that it is a gap that the organization is working towards, due to resource constraints and complexity.

It was moved by M. Smibert, seconded by S. Franke, that the Board of Health receive Report No. 05-25 re: “2025 Health Promotion Priorities” for information.
Carried

A Framework to Support Healthy Public Policy: The Built, Natural, and Social Environments (Report No. 06-25)

J. Proulx introduced Sarah Neal, Public Health Nurse, and Heather Thomas, Health Promotion Specialist, to present the public policy framework for the built, natural and social environments.

S. Neal explained that while there are definitions for the built environment, the mandate is broad within the current Ontario Public Health Standards and requires the need to articulate not only what the built environment means, but also what the natural and social environments represent within the context of the Health Unit’s priorities and interventions. A framework that outlines key features of the built, natural, and social environments can help to:
• Clearly articulate the nature of our work within context of [our] interventions
• Enhance collaboration
• Enhance strategic direction (defining what the Health Unit does and doing it well)
• Facilitate priority areas of focus and policy positions

The Health Unit has chosen to adapt British Columbia's Healthy Built Environment Framework to guide work with respect to the built, natural, and social environments. The Health Unit’s framework consists of five (5) main features:
• Neighbourhood Design: Neighbourhoods that are designed to be compact, complete, and connected to make it easy to access daily needs.
• Housing: A mix of quality housing options that are safe, affordable, accessible, and supportive of aging in place.
• Food Systems: Increasing access to and affordability of a variety of local food options while supporting the cycle of food from production to waste and protecting agricultural land.
• Green and Natural Spaces: Maximizing opportunities for safe and easy access to green and natural spaces while also mitigating and adapting to climate change.
• Transportation Networks: Transportation networks prioritizing sustainable mobility options that are safe, affordable, and accessible for all ages and abilities.

H. Thomas noted that there also is a qualitative component to spaces. Places can support physical and mental wellbeing, can enable social connection and can ensure communities are strong and integrated while fostering a sense of ownership. H. Thomas explained that it is important to consider both the physical features of the environment and the social environment. The social environment is more difficult to see than the built and natural environment. It is relationship focused, considering the people and the existing relationships, as well as the overarching systems and policies of the space itself. H. Thomas noted that within the framework, there are additional components that support the framework and include: local economy, recreation, service environments, arts and culture and civic engagement.

S. Neal explained the guiding principles of the framework: social connection, equity, and sustainability. These principles describe the fundamental approach to [our] work to achieve the goal to encourage design of places that:
• Support and promote health and well-being
• Support and promote social connection and community belonging
• Are welcoming and inclusive of all ages, abilities, identities, and means

H. Thomas reviewed next steps. The Health Unit will utilize the framework to guide the work of the Municipal and Community Health Promotion (MCHP) Team, determine priorities for policy positions within the five domains of the framework and share policy positions with community and municipal partners.

Board Member Skylar Franke inquired if the Municipal and Community Health Promotion team would be able to support a policy position regarding urban sprawl and loss of farmland before or after the framework is implemented. H. Thomas noted that this could inform a policy position. The team is able to respond to ad hoc issues as they arise, and the development of policy positions allows them to be more proactive, but recognize that the Health Unit has to be adaptive. S. Franke advised she would send some potential policy position ideas to the appropriate individuals at the Health Unit.

Board Member Michelle Smibert inquired if the Municipal and Community Health Promotion team was aware of the County of Middlesex’s Strategic Plan process and if the County representatives could support them being part of this process. H. Thomas noted that M. Smibert could reach out through Dr. Summers and the team could provide feedback. Dr. Summers emphasized that the Health Unit would very much like to be involved.

Board Member Howard Shears noted that he lived in British Columbia previously and was interested in the model from British Columbia, noting that neighbourhoods are walkable and together more closely. H. Shears inquired if this was the goal of the framework for the Health Unit. S. Neal noted that the framework was to support a complete and compact neighbourhood, for people to have access to education and health services within a short walk or ride.

Board Member A. DeViet reflected that she toured the development in West5, which is a community of houses and services in West London. A. DeViet emphasized that it is important to look into built environment and congratulated the Health Unit on starting this important work.

It was moved by A. DeViet, seconded by M. Smibert, that the Board of Health receive Report No. 06-25 re: “A Framework to Support Healthy Public Policy: The Built, Natural, and Social Environments” for information.
Carried

Submission to Health Canada on the Proposed Tobacco Cost Recovery Framework (Report No. 07-25)

J. Proulx noted that the Health Unit submitted feedback to Health Canada on the proposed tobacco cost recovery framework in October 2024

Board Member M. Newton-Reid noted that the statistics of tobacco and vaping were staggering, and that while smoking has decreased, vaping has increased especially in schools. The trends were not moving in the right direction, and it is crucial that public health continues to advocate for change in this area. Dr. Summers noted that battling vaping and smoking continues to be an uphill battle, which the Health Unit continues to advocate and work with school boards on.

It was moved by S. Franke, seconded by M. Newton-Reid, that the Board of Health receive Report No. 07-25 re: “Submission to Health Canada on the Proposed Tobacco Cost Recovery Framework” for information.
Carried

Current Public Health Issues (Verbal Report)

Dr. Summers and Dr. Joanne Kearon, Associate Medical Officer of Health provided the Board of Health with an update on current public health issues.

Respiratory Season Update
Middlesex-London is in the middle of the respiratory season. COVID-19 activity has decreased, along with outbreaks in institutional settings. Currently, the region is at a peak of influenza activity as expected. Respiratory syncytial virus (RSV) has been circulating and responsible for outbreaks, however less than previous years due to the new vaccination available.

Highly Pathogenic Avian Influenza
There were recently three (3) deceased Canadian geese found in London, who tested positive for Avian Influenza (H5NX). Several commercial poultry operations have unfortunately also been impacted. The Health Unit is seeing this strain of Avian Influenza occurring in both the domestic, agricultural and the wild bird population.

It is advised for the general public to avoid contact with both live and dead birds, keep pets away from wild birds and report dead waterfowl to the Canadian Wildlife Health Cooperative.

Agricultural workers with potential exposure to Avian Flu will be supported by the Health Unit, working closely with the Canadian Food Inspection Agency and the Ontario Ministry of Agriculture, Food and Rural Affairs.

Cold Weather Alerts
From January 13 – January 23, the Health Unit has issued and extended cold alerts. The threshold for issuing cold alerts for Middlesex-London is:
• Environment and Climate Change Canada forecasts a low temperature of –15C or lower;
• Environment and Climate Change Canada forecasts a wind chill of -20C or lower; or if
• Environment and Climate Change Canada issues a "Cold Alert" or "Cold Warning”

The purposes of cold alerts are to:
• Notify the public in order to minimize adverse health impacts and protect the public
• Notify key partners who use the cold alerts to activate community response plans
• Notify Health Unit staff working during extreme temperature conditions to take appropriate precautions

It is acknowledged that at any temperature, living without shelter poses significant health risks. The thresholds for opening warming centres or expanded shelter spaces are related to, but independent of, cold weather alerts. Different jurisdictions have different winter responses to homelessness, and decisions on when to open warming centres lie with municipalities, as it impacts resources – for example, Toronto opens warming centres when the temperature is -5C. The Health Unit will be reviewing how to support an appropriate winter response, including the role that cold weather alerts take.

ROMA Update

Dr. Summers and Emily attended the Rural Ontario Municipal Association Conference (ROMA) this January 19-21 in Toronto. The Health Unit was privileged to have a delegation meeting with Deputy Minister of Health, Deborah Richardson and Chief of Staff to the Minister of Health, Blair Hains on January 21. Joining the Health Unit included co-delegates from the County of Middlesex and the City of London. The delegation had a discussion with the Deputy Minister and Chief of Staff on a sustainable public health funding model. Dr. Summers and Emily also attended workshops and plenary sessions on matters that impact both municipalities and public health.

MLHU in the News
The Health Unit was in the news this month from topics ranging from COVID-19 to Avian Flu, to cold weather alerts.

Board Member S. Franke noted that the City of London Council has been discussing cold weather alerts frequently. S. Franke inquired whether the Health Unit can trigger cold alerts at -5C or -10C and wondered if this would have impacts on municipal cold weather plans. Dr. Summers noted that the Health Unit would need to review if a tiered response to communicating cold alerts was required as there may be situations where the community is in a constant state of being under a cold weather alert. Dr. Summers emphasized that cold weather does not impose action on municipalities and that the decision to open warming centres is up to the municipality – public health does not order these facilities to open. S. Franke noted that staff would be presenting lessons learned from the recent warming centre opened at Carling Heights Optimist Community Centre, where 120 people received services on January 27.

Board Member H. Shears inquired if there was any hesitation or resistance to the RSV vaccination in the seniors or infant population. Dr. Kearon noted that data on coverage rates is not yet available, but data is showing that the outcomes of the vaccination are evident with less cases of RSV. Dr. Summers noted that ordering of vaccine for infants has been high but data of who received the vaccine is unknown at this time.

Chair Steele noted that pneumonia has increased in the community and asked for further clarification. Dr. Summers explained that pneumonia is inflammation of the lungs, which can be caused by many things. There has been an increase in “walking pneumonia” in younger people, which is a milder version of the virus and may be resistant to standard antibiotics.

It was moved by M. Smibert, seconded by M. Newton-Reid, that the Board of Health receive the verbal report re: Current Public Health Issues for information.
Carried

Medical Officer of Health Activity Report for December (Report No. 08-25)

Dr. Summers presented his activity report for December. There were no questions or discussion.

It was moved by S. Franke, seconded by A. DeViet, that the Board of Health receive Report No. 08-25 re: “Medical Officer of Health Activity Report for December” for information.
Carried

Chief Executive Officer Activity Report for December (Report No. 09-25)

E. Williams presented her activity report for December. There were no questions or discussion.

It was moved by M. Newton-Reid, seconded by M. Smibert, that the Board of Health receive Report No. 09-25 re: “Chief Executive Officer Activity Report for December” for information.
Carried

Board Chair and Vice-Chair Activity Report for November and December (Report No. 10-25)

2024 Board Chair Matthew Newton-Reid and 2024 Vice-Chair Michael Steele presented their activity report for November and December. There were no questions or discussion.

It was moved by H. Shears, seconded by M. Smibert, that the Board of Health receive Report No. 10-25, re: “Board Chair and Vice-Chair Activity Report for November and December” for information.
Carried

Correspondence

It was moved by S. Franke, seconded by M. Newton-Reid, that the Board of Health endorse items a) and c):
a) Public Health Sudbury and Districts re: Calling for the Selection of Indigenous Municipal and Provincial Appointees for Board of Health for Public Health Sudbury and Districts
c) Peterborough Public Health re: Federal Strategy to Address Severity and Prevalence of Household Food Insecurity
Carried

It was moved by A. DeViet, seconded by M. Smibert, that the Board of Health receive items b) and d) for information:
b) Ontario Ministry of Health re: Strengthening Public Health Updates
d) Middlesex-London Board of Health External Landscape for January
Carried

Other Business

The next meeting of the Middlesex-London Board of Health is Thursday, February 20, 2025 at 7 p.m.

Closed Session

At 8:52 p.m., it was moved by M. Smibert, seconded by S. Menghsha, that the Board of Health will move into a closed session to consider matters regarding:
• labour relations or employee negotiations;
• personal matters about an identifiable individual, including municipal or local board employees;
• litigation or potential litigation, including matters before administrative tribunals;
• advice that is subject to solicitor-client privilege, including communications necessary for that purpose affecting the municipality or local board; and
• to approve previous closed session Board of Health minutes.
Carried

At 9:04 p.m., it was moved by S. Franke, seconded by S. Menghsha, that the Board of Health return to public session from closed session.
Carried

Adjournment

At 9:04 p.m., it was moved by M. McGuire, seconded by H. Shears, that the meeting be adjourned.
Carried

Michael Steele
Chair

Emily Williams
Secretary