May 2026 Board of Health Meeting - Minutes

Meeting Date
May 2026 Board of Health Meeting
Meeting Document Type
Minutes

Board Members Present:

Renaldo Agostino, Dr. Mark Awuku, Joe Bachetti, Dr. Jennifer Bondy, Frazier Fathers, Dr. Sardar Khan, Hilda MacDonald, Angelo Marignani, Michael Prue, Rob Shepley, Ed Sleiman, Jennifer Yee

Board Member Regrets:

Robert Maich, Jennifer Nugent

Administration Present:

Dr. Mehdi Aloosh, Dr. Ken Blanchette, Kristy McBeth, Eric Nadalin, Dorothea Service, Dan Sibley, Emily Durance (recorder)

Board Chair

Joe Bachetti

QUORUM: Confirmed

  1. Call to Order     
    Board of Health Chair, J. Bachetti, called the meeting to order at 3:02 p.m.
    1. Land Acknowledgement – Read by Board Chair, J. Bachetti
    2. Quorum – Confirmed at 3:03 p.m.
    3. Declaration of Conflict of Interest
    4. Welcome to New Board Member – City Councillor Ed Sleiman
  2. Approval of Agenda
    Motion:       That the agenda be approved as presented.
    Moved by: Frazier Fathers
    Seconded by: Dr. Sardar Khan
    CARRIED
  3. Approval of Minutes: March 12, 2026
    Motion:       That the minutes be approved.
    Moved by: Renaldo Agostino
    Seconded by: Angelo Marignani
    CARRIED
  4. Medical Officer of Health Update (Dr. Mehdi Aloosh)
    Dr. Aloosh provided an update on hantavirus, noting that while it is a serious illness, the overall risk to the local community and Canada remains low. He advised that Public Health continues to monitor the situation closely and is prepared to respond if required.

    E. Sleiman asked whether the virus is airborne and how it is transmitted. Dr. Aloosh advised that hantavirus is a respiratory disease.

    H. MacDonald emphasized the importance of exercising caution when opening sheds or cottages where mice may be present. Dr. Aloosh confirmed that this has been part of routine public health messaging.

    Vaccination was identified as a core component of public health work and a key strategy for saving lives, promoting health, and supporting economic stability. Dr. Aloosh reviewed the leading causes of death in the region in comparison with provincial data and highlighted the emerging evidence supporting vaccine efficacy in the prevention of chronic diseases, such as cardiovascular diseases and dementia. He reinforced the importance of receiving not only the influenza vaccine, but all vaccines to prevent infectious diseases, associated hospitalizations and chronic diseases.

    E. Sleiman asked whether a vaccine for hantavirus is available. Dr. Aloosh advised that no vaccine is currently available and noted that one could be developed if population risk warranted it; however, this does not seem necessary at this time.

    J. Yee asked whether WECHU provides vaccines for all diseases referenced in the presentation. It was clarified that WECHU provides influenza and COVID-19 vaccines, while most other vaccines are administered through health care providers and pharmacies.

    Dr. Aloosh discussed the local public health impacts of international conflict, including food insecurity, barriers to health care access, the need for trauma-informed mental health services, and broader environmental and planetary health concerns. It was noted that one in four households in Windsor-Essex experience food insecurity, with resulting effects on physical health, mental health, and children's learning.

    H. MacDonald asked whether a written resolution could be prepared for regional advocacy and forwarded to municipal, provincial, and federal governments. Dr. Aloosh indicated that a resolution advocating for improved access to food and health care could be developed and brought forward at the next Board meeting. R. Agostino emphasized the importance of advancing such a resolution as soon as possible. The board was in agreement with Dr. Aloosh providing a resolution on the public health impacts of international war to be provided to the board for approval prior to the next board meeting.
  5. Consent Agenda
    1. Information Reports (for information)
      1. Communications Reports:
        1. March 2026
        2. April 2026
      2. ISPA Enforcement Outcome 2025-2026 School Year
      3. WECHU and PHAC Collaborative – Mosquito Trapping Pilot Project
      4. Annual 2026 Operational Plan (ASP) Report – Q1
        1. Annual 2026 ASP Report – Auxiliary Report
      5. Flip the Script Program Update (EAAA)
      6. 2025-2026 RSV Vaccination Program Summary
      7. Summer Seasonal Program in Environmental Health
      8. Dissolution of Food Policy Council – March 2026
      9. Substance Supports in Neighbourhoods Accessed through Police Partnerships (SSNAPP)
      10. School Board Health Education Partnership
      11. Medication Safety and Storage
      12. Breastfeeding Evaluation Report

        In response to a question regarding the Communications Report (Item 5.1.1) and whether 10 negative trends out of 15 was typical for this time of year, Eric Nadalin advised that communications trends are generally influenced by the content being shared throughout the year and broader public health activity. He noted that month-to-month variation is expected and that concern would arise only if a sustained decline were observed over time.
        Regarding the Summer Seasonal Program in Environmental Health report (Item 5.1.7), there was discussion around regulation of landscape and vegetation management on public and private properties to reduce tick habitats in the region. Senior Director of Public Health Programs, Kristy McBeth reminded the board of a resolution that was passed by the board last year at this time. Board members suggested re-sharing that resolution to help remind and inform the public about other ways they can protect themselves from tick bites and mosquito borne illness.

        Regarding the SSNAPP report (Item 5.1.9), the Board discussed opportunities to expand public education on the root causes that may contribute to substance use and related challenges. Eric Nadalin noted that SSNAPP was intended to build on the success of neighbourhood safety plans, including efforts to address stigmatizing language and improve public understanding of underlying factors. He added that there is further opportunity to engage youth through education on these root causes. Dr. J. Bondy noted that a broad range of individuals could benefit from anti-stigma education and highlighted progress made in engaging employers to implement anti-stigma policies.
        Motion:       That the Consent Agenda be approved as presented.
        Moved by: Dr. Mark Awuku
        Seconded by: Ed Sleiman
        CARRIED
    2. Information Reports (for approval) - none
  6. Correspondence (Dr. Ken Blanchette)
    1. North Bay Parry Sound District Health Unit – Resolution & Recommendation Strengthening Social Assistance Rates
    2. Lakelands Public Health – Support for the Statement re: Labelling of Alcohol Products and for Bill S-202
    3. Algoma Public Health – Support for Transitioning to the Combined DTaP-HB-IPC-Hib Vaccine into Ontario’s Publicly Funded Immunization Schedule
    4. Public Health Sudbury & Districts – Endorsement for the Algoma Public Health Position Statement on Infant Hepatitis B Vaccine
    5. Public Health Sudbury & Districts – Healthy Smiles Ontario Fee Schedule and Access to Dental Care
    6. Public Health Sudbury & Districts – 2026-2028 Risk Management Plan
      Motion:       That the above Correspondence be received.
      Moved by: Dr. Jennifer Bondy
      Seconded by: Dr. Mark Awuku
      CARRIED
  7. Business Arising - none
  8.  Resolutions/Recommendation Reports (for approval)
    1. Waterpipe Smoking Restrictions (Eric Nadalin)
      PROPOSED MOTION
      Whereas, waterpipe smoking is associated with negative health outcomes including lung cancer, chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD), low birth weight, communicable diseases, and cardiovascular conditions such as high blood pressure and coronary artery disease; and
      Whereas, non-tobacco smoking products (e.g. shisha) contain heavy metals, carcinogens, and carbon monoxide which are hazardous to the health of those who smoke as well as those subject to second-hand smoke; and
      Whereas, the Smoke Free Ontario Act, 2017 does not restrict the smoking of non-tobacco products indoors, providing an opportunity for municipalities to implement local by-laws which include the prohibition of waterpipe use for non-tobacco products in enclosed public spaces and workplaces;
      Now therefore be it resolved the Windsor‑Essex County Board of Health endorses the Windsor‑Essex County Health Unit working collaboratively with area municipalities to develop, update, and enforce by‑laws that restrict the use of waterpipes, including non‑tobacco products, in enclosed public spaces and workplaces.
      Further that, the Windsor-Essex County Board of Health supports efforts to educate the public, business owners, and municipal partners on the health risks associated with waterpipe smoking, including non-tobacco products, and the importance of protecting workers and the public from exposure to second-hand emissions in enclosed public spaces and workplaces.
      Motion:     That the above resolution be approved as presented.
      Moved by: Ed Sleiman
      Seconded by: Renaldo Agostino
      CARRIED
    2. Enhancing Municipal Readiness for Ontario’s BYOB Legislation Through Public Health (Eric Nadalin)
      The Board discussed the public health implications of expanded alcohol consumption under Ontario’s BYOB framework. E. Nadalin shared that increased exposure to harmful substances may pose risks to community health. Administration is seeking Board endorsement of ongoing work with area municipalities around municipal alcohol policies and recommends that municipalities consult WECHU before making decisions related to BYOB implementation. Administration has already begun engaging municipalities in light of the implementation timeline. At present, no municipalities in Windsor-Essex are considering proceeding. It was also noted that a municipality must first pass an enabling by-law before BYOB can be permitted.
      PROPOSED MOTION
      Whereas, the Province of Ontario will, effective April 30, 2026, authorize adults nineteen years of age and older to bring their own alcoholic beverages to municipally designated outdoor cultural and community events, contingent upon the passage of municipal bylaws permitting alcohol consumption in public spaces and the establishment of local criteria to determine event eligibility for BYOB permits;
      Whereas, the implementation of the BYOB alcohol policy is not automatic and may only proceed within a municipality once the municipality has passed an enabling bylaw and developed an appropriate local approval process;
      Whereas, annual local alcohol‑related harms include 416.13 emergency room visits per 100,000 residents and 260 hospitalizations per 100,000 residents, exceeding provincial averages; 
      Whereas, an expansion of public alcohol consumption through BYOB events has the potential to exacerbate existing alcohol‑related harms without robust safeguards and public health‑informed oversight.
      Therefore, be it resolved that, the Board of Health of the Windsor-Essex County Health Unit strongly advises municipalities within Windsor‑Essex that formal consultation with the WECHU is essential prior to drafting, revising, or adopting any municipal bylaw pertaining to Ontario’s BYOB alcohol policy, ensuring that public health considerations are fully integrated into local decision‑making processes.
      FURTHER THAT, WECHU commit to providing evidence‑informed guidance and policy supports to municipal councils, including local alcohol‑related harm statistics, recommendations for designated consumption areas, risk‑mitigation strategies, enforcement considerations, and public‑facing harm‑reduction messaging.
      FURTHER THAT, this resolution be circulated to all municipal councils in Windsor‑Essex, the Association of Municipalities of Ontario (AMO), and the Ontario Public Health Association (OPHA) to support coordinated and health‑informed implementation of the BYOB framework.
      Motion:     That the above resolution be approved as presented.
      Moved by: Michael Prue
      Seconded by: Rob Shepley
      CARRIED
    3. Governance Standing Committee Recommendations (Angelo Marignani)
      GSC Terms of Reference – amended
      PROPOSED MOTION
      Whereas, the Windsor-Essex County Board of Health has established a Governance Standing Committee to support effective oversight; and
      Whereas, the Board periodically reviews committee mandates to ensure alignment with governance best practices and organizational needs; and
      Whereas, amendments to the Governance Standing Committee Terms of Reference have been made to clarify the Committee’s appointment-support responsibilities and to address vacancy-related scenarios in a clear and consistent manner;
      Now therefore be it resolved that the Windsor-Essex County Board of Health approve the amended Terms of Reference for the Governance Standing Committee;
      Further that, the amended Terms of Reference take effect immediately upon approval and replace all prior versions.
      Motion:     That the above resolution be approved as presented.
      Moved by: Dr. Sardar Khan
      Seconded by: Ed Sleiman
      CARRIED
    4. Board Bylaw Review
      PROPOSED MOTION
      That the Board of Health confirms that it has reviewed By-laws No. 1 (Governance), No. 2 (Finance), No. 3 (Human Resources), and No. 4 (Management of Real Property) in accordance with the Board’s by-law review requirement, and confirms that each remains in full force and effect without amendment; and
      That the Governance Standing Committee is directed to undertake a comprehensive review of the Health Unit’s by-laws and bring forward any recommended amendments for Board consideration, including any required notice and readings under By-law No. 1.
      Motion:     That the above resolution be approved as presented.
      Moved by: Michael Prue
      Seconded by: Rob Shepley
      CARRIED
    5. Board Member Reappointment – R. Maich
      Motion: That the board approve a request for reappointment be initiated for Robert Maich, whose   term expires June 16, 2026.
      Moved by: Jennifer Yee
      Seconded by: Angelo Marignani
      CARRIED
    6. CEO/MOH Performance Review
      PROPOSED MOTION
      Whereas, the Windsor-Essex County Board of Health is responsible for the oversight, evaluation, and accountability of the Chief Executive Officer (CEO) and the Medical Officer of Health (MOH); and
      Whereas, a formal performance review process supports effective leadership, clarifies expectations, promotes continuous improvement, and strengthens organizational governance and transparency; and
      Whereas, the Governance Standing Committee is mandated to support the Board of Health by recommending processes related to Board governance, including the evaluation of the Chief Executive Officer (CEO) and the Medical Officer of Health (MOH);
      Now therefore be it resolved that the Windsor-Essex County Board of Health directs that a formal performance review of the CEO and the MOH be undertaken in 2026, using a structured evaluation framework, as outlined in the Narrative 360 Overview, to be conducted by an external consultant (GID Consulting), and that the review be initiated no later than August 2026 with findings and recommended outcomes reported to the Board for consideration at the September 24th Board of Health meeting.
      Motion:     That the above resolution be approved as presented.
      Moved by: Frazier Fathers
      Seconded by: Ed Sleiman
      CARRIED
  9. New Business
    1. Connected Not Controlled (Ashley Kirby)
      Health Promotion Specialist, Ashley Kirby, presented the Connected Not Controlled initiative, a challenge for students in Grades 6 to 12 designed to engage youth in creating videos to raise awareness about the impacts of technology on the health and daily life of their peers.
      2026 marks the second year of the contest.
      The presentation highlighted concerns associated with excessive screen use among youth, including impacts on mental health, attention and focus, sleep, social comparison, self-esteem, cyberbullying, reduced face-to-face connection with peers and family, and decreased physical activity.
      It was reported that more than 80 per cent of youth spend three or more hours per day on screens.
      A. Kirby advised that 57 videos were submitted by 130 students. Submissions were reviewed to confirm eligibility before being advanced to youth judges and public voting.
      Three of the four local school boards participated in the challenge.
      The Comprehensive Health Program (CHP) passed two resolutions in February and March related to social media and screen use.
      Work on this topic will continue in collaboration with school boards and community partners.
      Dr. M. Awuku commended the initiative and asked how youth judges are selected. Administration advised that participating school boards provide student judges and that children of internal staff may also be invited to participate in the judging process.
      Dr. S. Khan expressed support for the initiative and encouraged Administration to measure its impact and tangible outcomes as the program continues to expand.
      Dr. J. Bondy emphasized the mental health focus of the initiative and noted the connection between screen use and physical activity, as well as the potential for broader consequences that may not yet be fully understood. K. McBeth advised that the presentation highlighted several measurable outcomes, while acknowledging that youth engagement may have broader long-term impacts and that physical activity is a wider area requiring further assessment.
      Councillor E. Sleiman observed that technology affects individuals of all ages.
      A. Marignani noted the value of targeting youth through behaviour-change initiatives and asked whether this messaging could also be incorporated into WECHU’s social media platforms.
    2. WECHU Language Services & French Language Services Act (Ashleigh Atkinson)
      Communications Manager, Ashleigh Atkinson, reported that Windsor-Essex has a culturally diverse population, with more than 95,000 residents indicating that they use a non-official language in and outside the home.
      Administration emphasized equity and inclusivity as key considerations and noted that a variety of tools are used to support equitable access to services.
      Administration advised that this work is linked to the French Language Services Act, legislation in Ontario intended to protect the rights of French-speaking residents to receive services in French.
      It was noted that organizations may fall within one of three clauses under the Act. Administration advised that Clause 1 includes 20 deliverables and that the purpose of the report is to ensure the Board of Health is aware of the Act and of the steps being taken toward compliance.
      Administration reviewed work completed in 2025 and work planned for 2026.
      It was further noted that an annual Board report will continue to be brought forward.
      Administration advised that use of the website translation tool indicated strong demand for French, Arabic, and other language translations.
      Interpreter services were also reviewed, including the RIO on-demand service, which can be accessed through three-way calls or face-to-face interpretation. 
      Administration also noted that two services are currently used for written document translation.
      Additional supports include a bilingual phone system and designated language positions within public-facing departments.
      H. MacDonald noted that Low German is a dialect and is not typically written. Administration advised that there have been instances in which translation services were unable to provide written translation for that reason.
    3. CEO Quarterly Report – February 1, 2026 – April 30, 2026 (Dr. Ken Blanchette)
      The Quarterly Report was included in the package for review by the board.
    4. CEO Update (Dr. Ken Blanchette)
      Dr. K. Blanchette advised that the WECHU is hosting a media event on Wednesday, May 20, 2026 to announce the Ministry funding received to further the facility renewal project. The announcement will recognize the provincial government’s contribution to the facility renewal project. Local Members of Provincial Parliament will be present, and Board members are invited to attend.
      For information, Dr. Blanchette reported that a gap was identified by the Windsor-Essex Ontario Health Team with respect to data capacity. He advised that an agreement has been reached for the Ontario Health Team to fund a position within WECHU’s Planning & Strategic Initiatives Department to begin work on improving the regional health care system through enhanced data access and analysis. The position has been posted, filled, and the successful applicant has commenced in the role. Administration noted that the work will support access to data from both WECHU and WEOHT. It was further noted that the Ministry has asked health units to work closely with Ontario Health Teams and that, to Administration’s knowledge, no other jurisdiction in the province has implemented this type of arrangement.
      Councillor F. Fathers asked whether a data-sharing framework is in place. K. McBeth advised that much of this work will be driven through the WEOHT, with access to health unit resources and a team of epidemiologists. She noted that the position will work primarily on OHT priorities and will support the translation of data into recommendations.
      Dr. Blanchette shared that he has been invited to serve as the keynote speaker at the Children First AGM this summer.
    5. Board Chair Update (Joe Bachetti)
      Mr. Bachetti informed the board members that the November meeting (due to election) will be moved from November 19 to 12th from 3:00 p.m. – 6:00 p.m. and will be extended by an hour. This meeting will be mandatory for board members.
  10. In-Camera Meeting (Closed session in accordance with Section 239 of the Municipal Act)
    Motion to Resolve into Closed Session
    That the Board of Health resolve to move into closed session pursuant to Sections 239(2)(k), 239(2)(h), 239(2)(d) and 239(2)(f) of the Municipal Act, 2001 to consider:
      (a) CUPE negotiations – labour relations / employee negotiations (s.239(2)(d)); and
      (b) as applicable, advice subject to solicitor-client privilege related to the foregoing (s.239(2)(f)).
    1. In-Camera Agenda: as circulated
    2. Return to Open Session
    3. Motion to Rise and Report
      The Board moved in-camera at 4:18 p.m.
      The Board moved out of in-camera at 5:16 p.m.
  11. Next Meeting: At the Call of the Chair, or Thursday, June 25, 2026
  12. Adjournment
    Motion: That the meeting session be adjourned.   
    Moved by: Hilda MacDonald
    Seconded by:  Renaldo Agostino
    CARRIED
    The open meeting session adjourned at 5:16 pm

RECORDING SECRETARY: E. Durance

SUBMITTED BY: K. Blanchette

APPROVED BY: Board of Health