​Special advisor emphasizes that Grey Bruce Public Health remains fully operational

Jim Pine, special advisor to Ontario chief medical officer of health Dr. Kieran Moore, has offered an update on his work with Grey Bruce Public Health.

In a press release, issued Tuesday, Pine states that to ensure the continued delivery of critical public health services, Moore temporarily assumed the powers of the board of health, Aug. 14, under S. 77.1 of the Health Protection and Promotion Act, to support operations.

As special advisor, Pine’s primary role, on behalf of Moore, is to work with the appointees to the board, the staff at public health, and municipal partners, to develop and implement an action plan to build up the capacity for effective leadership, rebuild key relationships, and support long-term stability of the board and public health.

“Over the past few weeks, it has been my privilege to meet with current board appointees, health unit staff, and representatives from both Bruce and Grey counties,” states Pine. “My goal has been to better understand different perspectives and ideas. I want to thank all of those who have made time to meet with me, for your support, candour, and commitment to moving forward together.”

Oct. 3, Pine held the first of a series of consultations with governance partners, including current appointees to the board, representatives from the office of the chief medical officer of health, and the medical officer of health at the public health, along with municipal leaders from both counties, as well as their chief administrative officers.

“At this meeting, we mapped out a strategy to move forward together to develop the comprehensive action plan needed to address the important findings documented through the independent assessment conducted under Section 82 of the Health Protection and Promotion Act,” states Pine. “In line with that strategy, we had a very good discussion about the skills that should be represented at a reconstituted board of health table to strengthen governance, accountability, and public confidence in the leadership of Grey Bruce Public Health.

“I want to assure our community and partners that the important work of public health continues. I also want to acknowledge the positive commitment and support from both counties for the continued delivery of public health services. I look forward to working closely with them and all the parties involved in public health here.”

During this interim period, Pine is actively supporting Moore to make required decisions in his role in exercising the powers of the board of health.

“I want to reiterate that Grey Bruce Public Health remains fully operational,” states Pine. “The dedicated professionals working at public health continue to deliver essential public health services with professionalism, compassion, and care.

“I will write again soon to provide a second update. Thank you for all your work.”