OSMH board reaches resolution with legion on voting seat changes

Orillia's Soldiers Memorial Hospital file photo (CTV Barrie Rob Cooper)

Orillia Soldiers’ Memorial Hospital (OSMH) board announced Tuesday it reached a resolution after eliminating two ex-officio voting seats, with the proposed nomination of legion member Ian Gordon to fill the existing vacancy.

In a joint news release Tuesday, the hospital expressed satisfaction with the agreement.

“Ian has been a strong supporter and volunteer of the hospital, and would be a great addition, enhancing the OSMH Board with a strong community voice,” said Terri McKinnon, chair, OSMH nominating committee.

• Related | OSMH board faces backlash after removing city and legion seats

Late last month, the OSMH board amended its corporate bylaws, removing two seats, one held by the Royal Canadian Legion Branch 34, and another held by Orillia’s mayor.

The board cited the legion’s seat was often left vacant and subtly pointed to a potential conflict of interest with the mayor’s seat as its reasoning for the decision. The legion’s former board representative, James McIsaac, is the mayor’s brother and was appointed shortly after Don McIsaac took office.

In response, Mayor Don McIsaac and legion president Rick Purcell pushed back.

“This would be a good outcome for both OSMH and the legion, to ensure the long-standing relationship is maintained,” stated Purcell about Gordon’s nomination in the joint news release.

At Monday’s meeting, Orillia council backed the mayor, calling on the hospital board to reinstate the city’s position. The board has not announced a reversal on that decision.

Gordon’s nomination is set to be recommended to the board at its upcoming meeting on Tuesday.