Province takes temporary control of Grey Bruce health board

Ontario’s chief medical officer has assumed the powers of the Grey Bruce Board of Health.

Bruce and Grey counties say they are ready to work with the province after Ontario’s top doctor temporarily took over the powers of the Grey Bruce Health Unit’s Board of Health.

On Thursday, Chief Medical Officer of Health Dr. Kieran Moore announced he is assuming the board’s powers and appointing a special advisor to help guide its work.

“Following multiple complaints regarding the board’s operations, finances, and governance, the Chief Medical Officer of Health launched an independent review of the Grey Bruce Public Health Unit. The review identified serious concerns with the board’s ability to fulfill its responsibilities, including issues related to governance, leadership, financial management, and human resources” said the Ministry of Health in a statement to CTV News.

Officials say this change does not affect the operations of GBPHU. The public health unit will continue to deliver uninterrupted, high-quality health services to its communities.

County wardens said Moore confirmed in a letter that all municipal representatives appointed to the board would remain in their roles, which the county wardens said they were pleased with, noting it would help maintain continuity in local public health services.

Bruce County Warden Luke Charbonneau and Grey County Warden Andrea Matrosovs stated the counties — which are responsible for appointing municipal members to the board — are committed to working with the Ministry of Health and the special advisor to restore effective leadership, rebuild relationships, and ensure long-term stability at the health unit.

“Although the recent actions regarding the board were unexpected, Bruce and Grey Counties appreciate the recent actions taken by the Ministry and we are reassured we have a path forward,” the wardens said in a joint statement.

The counties say supporting healthy communities remains a priority and that residents can expect public health services to continue without interruption during the transition.