Ontario Government Takes Control of Grey Bruce Public Health Board

The Ontario government has temporarily assumed control of the Grey Bruce Public Health board, as announced by the province’s medical officer of health, Dr. Kieran Moore, on August 14, 2023. This decision follows a series of actions taken by the board that included the dismissal of seven municipal appointees, raising concerns about governance and public health service continuity.

In a joint statement issued on August 15, 2023, Bruce County Warden Luke Charbonneau and Grey County Warden Andrea Matrosovs confirmed that Dr. Moore is “assuming the powers of the board of health for the Grey Bruce Health Unit” and will appoint a special advisor to assist the board. The announcement comes in the wake of an independent review, the findings of which have not yet been made public.

The board’s recent turmoil began with the dismissal of its seven municipal members by chair Nick Saunders on August 6, 2023. Following this action, only the four provincial appointees—Saunders, Vice-Chair Chad Richards, Helen-Claire Tingling, and Beverly Wilkins—were listed on the health unit’s website. However, the joint statement from the two wardens clarified that all municipal appointees have received confirmation from Dr. Moore that they remain on the board.

The seven municipal representatives include three elected officials from Bruce County: Deputy Warden and Huron-Kinloss Mayor Don Murray, Kincardine Mayor Kenneth Craig, and South Bruce Peninsula Mayor Jay Kirkland. From Grey County, the representatives are Warden and Blue Mountains Mayor Andrea Matrosovs, West Grey Mayor Keven Eccles, Georgian Bluffs Mayor Sue Carleton, and Meaford Deputy Mayor Shirley Keaveney.

The wardens emphasized their commitment to serving the health interests of their residents in their statement, noting that “Bruce and Grey counties, and our municipal appointees, will work collaboratively with the Ministry to support their goals of restoring effective leadership.” They expressed optimism about working with the special advisor appointed by the Chief Medical Officer of Health.

Details surrounding the province’s takeover remain limited. According to reports from the Ontario Ministry of Health, the decision falls under sections 77.1 (1) and (2) of the Health Protection and Promotion Act. The wardens acknowledged that the recent developments were unexpected but welcomed the ministry’s actions to ensure the continuity of public health services.

In an interview on August 15, Warden Charbonneau emphasized the collaborative efforts between Bruce and Grey counties and the Ministry of Health since the dismissals were communicated. He stated, “I anticipate that’s going to continue,” highlighting the ministry’s commitment to working together with local partners.

While the board currently lacks decision-making authority, having been assumed by the province, Grey Bruce Public Health is continuing its operations as usual. Charbonneau noted, “This is about governance and administration,” suggesting that the focus will be on restoring effective leadership.

The recent events have been described as an opportunity to reset relationships within the board. Charbonneau expressed confidence that all seven municipal members are “members of the board of health in good standing” and that they will collaborate closely with the appointed special advisor. Further updates will be provided as the situation evolves, ensuring that the residents of Bruce and Grey counties receive the public health services they require.