Regional Council - Feb. 15, 2006 

Question on all municipal election ballots regarding the election of the Regional Chairman

Now be it resolved that a public meeting and by-law to place the following on all Municipal election ballots in the Region of Durham be scheduled for the March 29, 2006 meeting of the Regional Council and that the Region Clerk initiate and complete the required process outlined in the Municipal Elections Act:

"Should the Chair of the Regional Municipality of Durham be elected by general vote?"

This motion was debated at the Feb. 15^th  Regional Council meeting and was defeated on a recorded vote of 14 – 13.  All Ajax representatives voted in support of the motion. 

Health & Social Services  

A report was received from Toronto Board of Health that highlighted the erosion of Ontario Works benefit rates due to the cutback in 1995 which reduced monthly social assistance rates by 21%.  The previous Conservative provincial government also “clawed back” dollar for dollar of the National Child Benefit  to OW recipients. Inflation and  rising shelter costs has reduced the purchasing power of social benefit recipients by nearly 40%. In 2004 social assistance rates were increased by 3% and the Province allowed families receiving OW to keep the 2004 and 2005 increase to the National Child Benefit amounting to about $17.00 per month. No further increase to OW rates has been announced.   

The report highlighted the impacts of inadequate rates whereby significant amounts of the basic needs allowances are used to cover shelter costs resulting in inadequate monies for food, clothing and transportation. The health and safety of the most vulnerable residents and their children are being threatened.  Regional Council endorsed the Toronto Board of Health motion that calls upon the Government of Ontario to increase social assistance rates such that the shelter component is 100% of median market rent and the basic needs component is increased by 40% and thereafter adjusted annually to reflect the findings of yearly nutritious food basket surveys. 

CMOH  - First Report to Ontario Legislature 

The Committee received a copy of the first report made by Sheela Basrur, Chief Medical Officer of Health on the status of the Ontario public health system.  She highlighted progress made to date such as the ongoing review of the capacity of local health units, planning for the creation of Ontario’s first Public Health Agency, creation of a Provincial Infectious Diseases Advisory Committee, Emergency Management Unit to coordinate responses to outbreaks, release of an updated and detailed plan for pandemic influenza and the creation of the Ministry of Health Promotion which will focus on health promotion and injury prevention. 

Areas of concern include vacancies in Medical Officer of Health and other positions at public health units, shortage of staff and inadequate facilities and technology within the Public Health Laboratory System.  In addition; emergency response involving First Nations Communities needs to be developed and coordinated with all levels of government and communications with front line medical staff needs to be strengthened to help recognize, control and prevent infectious diseases.   

Dr. Basrur noted that it will take years of concerted effort to fulfill the recommendations of the Walker Panel and Campbell Commission (Reports arising from the Sars experience.)  In her opinion unless these recommendations are implemented public health will not be able to fulfill its legislated mandate or meet the expectations of the public.  The CMOH noted that we are entering a critical time period that will define whether the momentum for public health system renewal will be maintained or allowed to dissipate.  This will depend on the Provincial Government’s commitment to improve the governance, configuration and capacity of Ontario’s public health units as guided by the first report of the Capacity Review Committee and to revitalize Ontario’s public health laboratory in conjunction with a provincial Public Health Agency. 

Best Start Update - Year One (2005 - 2006) 

The Health and Social Services Committee received an update on the Best Start Program.   

The Province has allocated to Durham in excess of $25 million in 100% Provincial funding, over two years, which is estimated to provide 770 new licensed childcare spaces for children under six years of age.  The Durham Best Start Network, approved the Best Start “Integrated Implementation Plan” after considerable consultation with the community (service providers and parents).