Mayor's Report for June 20, 2023

June 6th

I presided over our regular Council Meeting.

June 7th

I presided as Chair over the regular meeting of the Hastings Prince Edward Board of Health.

June 9th

I attended the office to sign cheques and documents.

June 12th

I travelled to Toronto to attend the alPHa Conference, representing the Hastings Prince Edward Board of Health. alPHa stands for Association of Local Public Health Agencies. At 5:00, Dr. Eileen de Villa was the keynote speaker. I'm sure you have seen her speak on TV, especially during COVID. In general, her message was to emphasize the importance and vital role of the local Boards of Health. Boards of Health provide many health services in our communities, focused on prevention and intervention, which results in reduced health care demands in health care facilities. Many of the services, such as immunizations, are concentrated in schools. During the pandemic, public health boards were instrumental in organizing vaccination locations and health workers who did the actual injections. Board of Health nurses and counsellors often are the boots on the ground services helping our most vulnerable residents.

June 13th

Dr. Greg Wells was the first guest speaker at the conference. Dr. Wells expressed his insights on how to unlock the power of alternating peak performance with deep rest. He explained how our brains and bodies are designed to operate in cycles of work and rest. In summary, he expressed the need to manage a work-life balance in order to optimize mental and physical health, and improve our focus, creativity and problem solving abilities.

Dr. Jessica Hopkins, Chief Health Protection and Emergency Preparedness Officer, Public Health Ontario, spoke on Public Health Workforce Burnout.

Julia Roitenberg, General Manager and Chief Nursing Officer at York Region Public Health, spoke.on the Rapid Review of Public Health Recovery, Renewal and Resilience Building Post-Pandemic.

Business Meeting and Resolutions Session was moderated by Dr. Robert Kyle, Durham Region Health Unit. Distinguished Service Awards and Board Recognition, alPHa Strategic Plan Session.

June 14th

Dr. Kieran Moore, Chief Medical Officer of Health, and Dr. Christopher Simpson, Executive Vice-President, Medical, Ontario Health, led a panel on emerging successfully from the pandemic.

June 15th

I attended the regular meeting of the Crowe Valley Conservation Authority and two hearings. In the afternoon, I attended the office to sign cheques and pick up my agenda for this meeting.

June 16th

I had a telephone meeting with David Johnson, HPEPH, regarding union negotiations.

June 17th

I attended the Open House of our Marmara and Lake Fire Department. There was entertainment for the kids and a demonstration of extrication using special equipment. Our new fire truck and other equipment were on display. Thank you to the volunteers and the firemen who made this possible. Remember to purchase your ticket for the beautiful quilt.

June 20th

This morning, I attended the Hastings County Finance, Property & Personnel Committee, and Planning & Development Committee Meetings. After the meetings, I attended Board of Health Offices to sign documents. At 5:30 I chaired the Planning Meeting and this is our regular Council Meeting.

I have some very good news to announce regarding our Doctor Recruitment Program. I will read the announcement I received from Dr. Payman Charkhzarin:

This is a very exciting chapter for the Marmora Medical Clinic and CHFHT and especially for the community who have been patiently waiting for yet another compassionate and knowledgeable family doctor, who enjoys what this community has to offer, to join the CHFHT and begin serving as a new primary care provider/leader in the area.

I would like to welcome Dr. Sinton to our team and this community and extend my sincere congratulation and enthusiasm for working along with him in Marmora. I would like to thank all the wonderful people who have been working so passionately and selflessly to help Dr. Sinton chose this team and this community as the next step in his wonderful long career/life. A special thanks goes to the Municipality of Marmora and Lake for their unwavering support and commitment to improving the primary health in this area as well as the Hastings County and John Nicholas for their generous investment and efforts over the years. And last but not least, a special thanks goes to Dr. Callery for taking leadership in introducing Dr. Sinton to this team and the community and make sure he is able to see everything we have to offer.