Regional Councillor Report

Submitted by: Colleen Jordan, Regional Councillor Wards 3 & 4

Date: May 10, 2010

Health and Social Services Committee – April 29, 2010

A number of systemic issues surfaced during the investigation regarding the lost USB key containing personal health information, during the H1N1 vaccination program. A motion was endorsed by the Health Committee requesting that the Government of Ontario initiate a number of steps to protect the privacy and security of personal health information that is collected by Ontario’s public health system. This request includes a call for a number of actions, including; a request that Provincial Custodians conduct privacy assessments on current and new provincial public health information systems in consultation with the Information Privacy Commissioner, that the Health Protection and Promotion Act and PHIPA are strengthened to provide further protection, and that ongoing education and training with respect to the Personal Health Information Act is provided. The need for ongoing adequate resources to ensure duties are fulfilled under the PHIPA was also cited.

This motion will also be forwarded to the Association of Local Public Health Agencies for their endorsement.

The Committee received a presentation from Christina Colacicco, John Howard Society regarding the Sex Trade Worker Support Circle. The Circle includes representation from the John Howard Society as well as YWCA Durham, Oshawa Community Health Centre, Victim Witness Assistance Program in partnership with the Durham Regional Police. Ms. Colacicco advised that there are sex trade workers working in all areas of the Region. A recent police sweep resulted in 34 arrests.

She advised that the program offered by the John Howard Society is the only specific counseling program for this sector of the population, whereas, other jurisdictions provide more comprehensive services and programs. The Kitchener Waterloo model was cited which has a 60 bed emergency women’s shelter with on site counseling supports.

The Support Circle is requesting that Durham Region request Federal funds to establish a women’s shelter in Durham. Councillors asked that staff provide a detailed report including a review of various models of shelters and supports as well as a process to initiate steps towards establishing a women’s shelter in Durham Region.

Tri Committee – May 4, 2010

The Committee received a presentation regarding the Durham Housing Review initiative which is in response to the Provincial Growth Plan, which requires upper tier municipalities to develop a housing strategy. There will be four reports in the series which will address such matters as supply of housing and development activity, housing affordability and specialized housing needs. The results of the reports will form the basis of the housing strategy and once completed will recommend potential policy changes to the Regional Official Plan. Through the Housing Strategy an opportunity will be provided to plan and develop a range of housing types and densities to support the intensification and density targets.

The analysis in the first report indicated the following;

Stable and historical population growth necessitates continued household growth.

A reduction in average household size, resulting in more dwelling units being required to house the same number of people.

Decreasing numbers of people per household, due in part to people living alone or outside traditional family unit.

Forecasted increases in percentage share of pre-retirement adults and seniors will result in demand for smaller units.

Future shifts in immigration may require a wider range of dwelling sizes and structural types in rental and ownership housing.

Increases in employment opportunities within Durham emphasize need to protect and encourage broad mix of housing types to meet needs of a growing population and non commuter workforce.

The housing directions reports will be circulated to the area municipalities and are also available on the Region’s website.

Finance and Admin and Health and Social Services

The Committee endorsed resolutions to authorize Regional staff to accept applications from social housing providers in Durham Region for renewable energy projects that fit the criteria for funding under the Renewal Energy Initiative – Canada Ontario Affordable Housing Program: 2009 Extension which will then be submitted to the Ministry of Municipal Affairs for approval. Projects need to be underway by the March 2011 to be eligible for funding.