Ontario's Chief Medical Officer of Health is taking over the Board of Health for the Grey Bruce Health Unit.
Following earlier news that all municipal members of the Board of Health for the Grey Bruce Health Unit had been dismissed, it's now been revealed that Dr. Kieran Moore will be "temporarily assuming the powers" of the Grey Bruce Health Unit board.
In a statement released on Thursday, August 14, Dr. Moore cited "serious concerns" regarding the governance of the board.
"Following an independent assessment conducted under the health Protection and Promotion Act, serious concerns were identified regarding the Board of Health's ability to fulfill its responsibilities," Moore said in the statement. "These concerns include issues related to governance, leadership, financial management, and human resources."
Moore stated that the decision "was not made lightly" and that these changes are temporary. Currently, Moore and his office are working with a special advisor to "restore effective leadership, rebuild key relationships, and support long-term stability," according to the released statement from Moore.
Bruce County Warden Luke Charbonneau and Grey County Warden Andrea Matrosovs released a joint statement on Friday, stating that "all municipal appointees to the Board of Health have received a letter from the Chief Medical Officer of Health confirming that all municipal appointees remain on the Board. We are pleased to have clarification that our appointed members continue to be part of the board and appreciate the swift action of the Ministry to ensure the continuity of public health services."
The joint statement went on to say that both councils are committed to supporting healthy communities.
"Although the recent actions regarding the Board were unexpected, Bruce and Grey Counties appreciate the recent actions taken by the Ministry and we are reassured we have a path forward. Bruce and Grey Counties are committed to supporting the Board of Health and as they work with the Ministry of Health to ensure residents receive the quality public health services they need and deserve," the joint statement concluded.