the regional municipality of york report no. 7 of the...

1Report No. 7 of the Health and Emergency Medical Services Committee

THE REGIONAL MUNICIPALITY OF YORK

REPORT NO. 7OF THE REGIONAL

HEALTH AND EMERGENCY MEDICAL SERVICES COMMITTEEMEETING HELD ON SEPTEMBER 13, 2001

For Consideration byThe Council of The Regional Municipality of York

on September 20, 2001

Chair: Regional Councillor J. Frustaglio

Members: Mayor J. HolecRegional Councillor T. WongMayor J. YoungRegional Chair B. Fisch, ex-officio

Also Present: Nil

Staff Present: D. Bladek-Willett, S. Cartwright, B. Meekin, M. Di Re, Dr. T. Herrick, S. Turner, A. Wells, J. Williams, M. Woolhead

The Health and Emergency Medical Services Committee began its meeting at 2.00 p.m. onSeptember 13, 2001.

1NO-SMOKING BY-LAW IMPLEMENTATIONPHASES I AND II: JANUARY TO JULY, 2001

The Health and Emergency Medical Services Committee recommends that:

1. The presentation by Soo Wong, Project Manager, HealthServices, on ‘No-Smoking By-law Implementation, PhasesI and II: January to July, 2001’, be received.


(A copy of the PowerPoint presentation is on file in the Officeof the Regional Clerk)

2. The recommendations contained in the following report,August 29, 2001, from the Commissioner of HealthServices, be adopted:

1. RECOMMENDATIONSIt is recommended that:1. The Health and Emergency Medical Services Committee and Regional Council receive

this report for information.

2. Health Services Department staff continue with implementation activities as outlined inthe report of the No-Smoking By-law Task Force entitled “York Region No-SmokingBy-law” adopted by Regional Council on October 26, 2000.

3. The five temporary full-time By-law Enforcement Officer positions be converted topermanent full-time positions effective October 1, 2001.

4. Staff report back to Health and Emergency Medical Services Committee in January,2002, with an analysis of the feasibility and resource implications of advancing the dateof the implementation of Phase III.

5. The Clerk circulate this report to the City of Toronto and Regions of Peel, Halton andDurham for their information.

2. PURPOSEThe purpose of this report is to provide the Health and Emergency Medical ServicesCommittee and Regional Council with an update on current implementation activities forthe No-Smoking By-law and to outline the future plans and implementation activities of theRegional Municipality of York and our GTA partners (the Region of Peel and the City ofToronto).

3. BACKGROUNDOn October 26, 2000, Regional Council adopted a three-phase, Region-wide No-SmokingBy-law. Effective January 26, 2001, all workplaces in York Region became smoke-free(Phase I).

By June 1, 2001, all restaurants, banquet facilities, retail stores, food courts, theatres,shopping malls, recreation facilities, and bowling alleys became either smoke-free or erecteda designated smoking room (DSR). The DSRs erected could take up no more than 25% of


the occupiable public space and have a separately ventilated system that meets the criteria asoutlined in the York Region No-Smoking By-law #A-0285-2000-105 (Phase II).

Phase III takes effect on June 1, 2004. Until then, all bars, taverns, casinos, billiard/bingohalls, race tracks, adult entertainment lounges, and night clubs must create an unenclosedsmoking area no greater than 25% of the occupiable public space. The appropriate"No Smoking" signs must be posted. After June 1, 2004, these premises must eitherbecome smoke-free or have a DSR as described above.

Implementation dates of the York Region No-Smoking By-law are consistent with those ofthe Region of Peel and the City of Toronto.

3.1 Implementation ActivitiesThe implementation of the York Region No-Smoking By-law is one of the largestcommunications projects undertaken by Regional Council. Extensive collaboration withRegional staff (Corporate and Legal Services, Corporate Communications Services,Planning and Development Services, and York Regional Police) and Area Municipal staff(Town Clerk, Building, By-law, Planning, Parks and Recreation, and EconomicDevelopment Departments) was required. Each of the nine Area Municipalities wasrecruited to be a distribution centre for No-Smoking By-law educational and promotionalmaterials.

Implementation began in December 2000 and included a comprehensive educationcampaign, a communications plan, a restaurant survey and the hiring/training of staff forthe By-law Enforcement Team. This was accomplished by a team of staff from the HealthServices Department, Corporate Communications Services, and Corporate and LegalServices who met biweekly from January to May 2001.

3.1.1 Public Education CampaignThe Public Education Campaign began in December 2000, when Health Services staffcouriered an information package to the Chief Building Official in each of the AreaMunicipalities.

To date, over 1,500 public information kits, 4,000 workplace information kits,3,800 restaurant/bar information kits and over 150,000 "No Smoking" signs have beendistributed to public places. Restaurant/bar information kits were hand-delivered to everyrestaurant/bar in York Region by Public Health Inspectors from January to May 2001.

Approximately 10,000 educational handouts were disseminated across the Region to thegeneral public. This included 1,500 Chinese and 1,700 Italian Fact Sheets, which wereshared with the Region of Peel and the City of Toronto. Education materials have alsobeen posted on the Regional website.

Over 200 No-Smoking By-law Information Trainer's Manuals were distributed acrossYork Region to elected officials as well as Regional and Area Municipality staff. Manuals


were also requested by other health units in Ontario, including Muskoka-Parry Sound, theRegion of Peel, City of Toronto, Grey Bruce, Simcoe County, Peterborough County andPerth District.

Promotional materials were also widely disseminated across the Region. Over 6,500business card holders, 15,000 pens and post-it notes, and 14,400 tent cards have beendistributed.

From January to July 2001, Health Services Department staff conducted extensiveinformation sessions across the Region. In January 2001, two Regional staff informationsessions were held along with five information sessions for Area Municipal staff. Otherpublic information sessions/workshops were held for the York Regional Police (1),workplaces (1), the Industrial Accident Prevention Association (IAPA) (1), AreaMunicipalities (18), restaurant and bar owners/operators (5), bowling alley staff (1), nightclub operators (1), and Legion/veteran facilities/Lions Clubs (7). Over 10,000 posterbrochures were distributed at these venues.

3.1.2 Communications PlanThrough a collaborative partnership, Peel Region, the City of Toronto, and York Regionformed an ad hoc media working group to develop a comprehensive communications plan(see Attachment 1). York Region participated in the decision-making process and contributedfinancially to the partnership. Components of the plan appear below.

3.1.2.1 Information PostcardsThe plan was phased in beginning with the creation and distribution of over 230,000 by-lawinformation postcards through the Metroland York Region Newspaper Group and CanadaPost in early January 2001. Follow-up evaluation revealed that over 98% of York Regionresidents received their by-law information postcard from the Metroland York RegionNewspaper Group. A further 1,000 postcards were requested by two Markham hotels andone Richmond Hill hotel. Regional employees received the postcard with their pay stub inJanuary 2001.

3.1.2.2 “Smoke –Free Peel, Toronto and York” MessageAs a result of the Peel–Toronto–York collaboration, a united message was created:"Smoke-Free Peel, Toronto, and York." The collaboration significantly reduced the mediastart-up costs associated with artwork creation, as the artwork for Phase II communicationswas developed by Peel Region.

3.1.2.3 Exterior Transit SignsFrom April to June 2001, exterior transit signs were displayed in Area Municipalities thatprovide public transit. The Towns of East Gwillimbury, Georgina, King, and Whitchurch-Stouffville, which do not have public transit, received extra print ads in their communitynewspapers. Regional Chair Bill Fisch launched the exterior transit sign campaign in theTowns of Aurora, Markham, Newmarket, Richmond Hill, and City of Vaughan in earlyMay—the highlight of the Phase II communications campaign.


3.1.2.4 Print AdvertisementsPrint ads were placed in all local papers from January to June 2001. Chinese and Italianprint ads were also developed and respectively placed in the Ming Pao Journal, Sing Tao Daily,World Journal, Corriere Canadese, and Lo Specchio newspapers. Print ads were placed incommunity recreation guides from February to May 2001. January print ads focused onPhase I smoke-free workplaces. Print ads published in March and April focused primarilyon the public information sessions. From April to June, the print ads were specific toPhase II of the York Region No-Smoking By-law.

The Telus Locator Directory Guide, containing an ad for the No-Smoking By-law, wasdistributed across the Region in May 2001. The guides were sent to 262,000 residentialproperties and an additional 5,000 commercial properties. Print ads also appeared in theEconomic Development Visitors' Guide and the Chamber of Commerce/Board of TradeNewsletter during the months of April and May. These were distributed to over 60,000premises.

3.1.2.5 Community Media EventsHealth Services Department staff, in conjunction with Corporate Communications Servicesstaff, held a number of successful, community media events. These included the launch ofPhase I of the York Region No-Smoking By-law at a Newmarket workplace (January 26,2001); collaborating with the Region of Peel and the City of Toronto to launch Phase II ofthe By-law at Toronto's Union Station (May 15, 2001); hosting a Workplace Awardsreception at the Regional Administrative Centre (May 24, 2001); and partnering with theCouncil for a Tobacco-Free York Region to co-host a special community luncheon at aRichmond Hill restaurant (June 1, 2001).

All community media events organized by Health Services Department and CorporateCommunications Services staff were well received by local media (The Era Banner, TheLiberal, The Markham Economist & Sun, The Georgina Advocate, The King Weekly, and RogersCable). Over 16 media interviews were conducted from January to June 2001.

3.1.2.6 Public InformationHealth Connection staff participated in a variety of by-law information sessions, in additionto receiving updates regarding the various community activities or launches. Approximately80 calls per month regarding the by-law were received by Health Connection from Januaryto May 2001. For the month of June, 2001, a total of 144 telephone inquiries were made tothe By-law Enforcement Hotline, while Health Connection staff answered 22 by-law relatedcalls. The By-law Enforcement Hotline received 102 telephone inquiries in July 2001.

3.1.2.7 FeedbackComments on the Communications Plan and the media buys have been positive. Nearlyall of the local editorials have been supportive of the Regional No-Smoking By-law.Eighty percent of the calls to Health Connection and the By-law Enforcement Hotline havebeen supportive of the by-law.


3.1.3 Restaurant SurveyIn May 2001, Public Health Inspectors conducted a survey to determine the “smoke-freestatus” of food establishments in York Region (see Attachment 2). A total of 350establishments participated in the survey. The results indicated that over 80% of YorkRegion food establishments would be smoke-free as of June 1, 2001.

3.1.4 By-law Enforcement DataSince January 2001, the By-law Enforcement Team has been tracking incoming by-law calls,educational/promotional materials sent by the Health Connection staff. The By-lawEnforcement Team began tracking the number of establishments visited, the number ofinfractions issued and charges laid on June 1, 2001 (see Attachment 3). To date, the By-lawEnforcement Team has visited 876 establishments, issued 131 Statements of Infraction andcharged 9 establishments. Effective June 1, 2001, Enforcement Officers have beenhandling phone inquiries on weekdays and pager calls during evenings and weekends. Theteam has also distributed over 430 educational kits to employers, proprietors ofrestaurants/bars and the general public.

3.1.5 By-law Enforcement Team Hiring/TrainingShortly after Regional Council approved the 2001 Budget, the By-law Enforcement Teamhired five temporary full-time By-law Enforcement Officers, all of whom have an extensivelaw enforcement background. They participated in training sessions that focused onconflict resolution, evidence collection, documentation, and photography with Peel–Toronto By-law Enforcement Officers and the York Regional Police.

By-law Enforcement Officers are currently classified as Provincial Offences Officers. Arequest to the York Region Police Services Board for Special Constable status for theEnforcement Officers was made on July 25, 2001. This would enable EnforcementOfficers to seek identification from proprietors and patrons, thereby holding theseindividuals accountable for any actions in violation of the No-Smoking By-law. The PoliceServices Board reviewed this request but felt it was premature at this time as it is unclear asto whether or not the Ministry of the Solicitor General would grant Special Constable statusto Provincial Offences Officers.

The By-law Enforcement Team also hired a Project Manager, an IntermediateAdministrative Clerk and a Health Educator by the end of June 2001.

3.1.5.1 Conversion of Temporary Full-time PositionsIncluded in the 2001 budget was the cost of contracting out the services of five By-lawEnforcement Officers. The option of contracting out these services was explored withCUPE 905. The union was not supportive of contracting out bargaining unit work. Inorder to maintain a harmonious working relationship and remain within the collectiveagreement, the union agreed that the By-law Enforcement Officers could be hired on atemporary full-time basis with the stipulation that the FTEs be converted to permanentfull-time positions prior to the end of 2001. It is therefore recommended that thesepositions be converted to permanent full-time positions effective October 1, 2001.


4. ANALYSIS AND OPTIONS

4.1 Future DirectionsA fall booster campaign is being planned in collaboration with the Region of Peel and theCity of Toronto to promote both smoke-free workplaces and public places. It will belaunched in early November 2001. The By-law Enforcement Team will continue to reviewand develop the appropriate policies, procedures, educational and promotional materials tosupport this campaign.

The restrictive timeline for implementation of the By-law made it difficult to develop avariety of policies and procedures for both staff and establishment operators prior to PhaseII implementation. A blitz is currently underway to encourage proprietors of Class A and Eestablishments to sign a declaration form that will confirm the class of each premises. Theforms will be kept on file for enforcement purposes.

On a monthly basis, the By-law Enforcement Team will continue to track the number ofcalls received, educational/promotional materials distributed, the number of establishmentsvisited, the number of infractions issued and the number of charges laid.

The By-law Enforcement Team will continue to collaborate with its partners: the Alcoholand Gaming Commission of Ontario, York Regional Police, Area Municipalities, PeelRegion, City of Toronto and The Council for a Tobacco-Free York Region. The team willreview and monitor the activities of Phases I and II. The Team will also seek out newcommunity partnerships.

During fall 2001, the By-law Enforcement Team will be collaborating with health unitsfrom across the Greater Toronto Area and the City of Hamilton to conduct a publicopinion survey on the effectiveness of the Peel–Toronto–York No-Smoking By-law.

The By-law Enforcement Team will be working with an existing survey group such as theRapid Risk Factor Surveillance System (RRFSS) or Environics to add questions related tothe No-Smoking By-law for fall 2001.

Funding opportunities from both provincial and federal governments to promote smoke-free public places will be sought out in fall, 2001. Further update reports concerning theseopportunities will be brought forward to this Committee as required.

4.1.1 Phase III ImplementationThere is growing pressure from both local restaurateurs and neighbouring Regions (theRegion of Peel and the City of Toronto) to move the Phase III timeline to June 1, 2002.

Staff are reviewing this proposed timeline and will report back with an analysis of thefeasibility and resource implications of advancing the date of implementation of Phase IIIto Health and Emergency Medical Services Committee in early 2002.


4.1.2 Time ConstraintsWith the recent implementations of Phases I and II the Enforcement Officers’ primaryduties have been to educate the community and enforce the No-Smoking By-law. Timeconstraints have therefore prohibited the By-law Enforcement Team from conducting anextensive evaluation of Phase I and II implementation activities at this time.

5. FINANCIAL IMPLICATIONSAll costs associated with the 2001 activities as well as the conversion of the temporaryfull-time By-law Enforcement Officer positions to permanent full-time have beenaccommodated within the 2001 budget.

6. LOCAL MUNICIPAL IMPACTSeveral Mayors and Area Municipal Councillors have received letters/e-mails/telephonecalls of support/complaint regarding the by-law from business people/citizens in theirrespective communities. Many of these communications have been forwarded to HealthServices Department staff for response.

It is also too early to determine whether or not the by-law has had anybeneficial/detrimental impact upon local businesses.

7. CONCLUSIONThe implementation of Phases I and II of the York Region No-Smoking By-law has beenrelatively smooth despite the short timeline. The extensive collaboration and partnershipwith the Region of Peel, the City of Toronto, and local agencies has resulted in the generaltransition to a smoke-free York Region. To date, the majority of responses received fromthe community has been both positive and supportive. Ongoing collaboration with existingand new partners will ensure smooth implementation of Phase III of the York RegionNo-Smoking By-law.

(A copy of the attachments referred to in the foregoing is included with this report and is also on file in the Office ofthe Regional Clerk.)

2PESTICIDE REDUCTION TASK FORCE

The Health and Emergency Medical Services Committee recommends that:

1. Regional Councillor Diane Humeniuk be requested toChair the Task Force.


2. The recommendations contained in the following reportAugust 29, 2001, from the Commissioner of HealthServices, be adopted:

1. RECOMMENDATIONSIt is recommended that:1. Health and Emergency Medical Services Committee and Regional Council receive this

report for information and direct that a Pesticide Reduction Task Force be formedunder the attached Terms of Reference (see Attachment 1).

2. Health and Emergency Medical Services Committee select a Chair of the Task Forcefrom amongst its members.

3. The Task Force be supported through the Health Services Department staff andresources.

4. The Regional Clerk distribute this report to all area municipalities for informationpurposes.

2. PURPOSEThe purpose of this report is to outline the composition and structure of a PesticideReduction Task Force whose mandate is to develop guidelines to eliminate thenon-essential use of pesticides on public lands.

3. BACKGROUNDAt its June 14, 2001 meeting, the Health and Emergency Medical Services Committeerecommended the adoption of the report of the Commissioner of Health Services entitled,“Pesticide Reduction Strategy”. Recommendation 2 of the report proposed that RegionalCouncil authorize staff to work with area municipalities, school boards, and conservationauthorities to develop pesticide reduction guidelines with the goal of eliminating the non-essential use of pesticides on public lands. Health and Emergency Medical ServicesCommittee added the recommendation that a Task Force be formed to supportRecommendation 2 and that a report as to its composition and structure be presented at theSeptember 13, 2001 meeting of the Health and Emergency Medical Services Committee.

In its “Pesticide Reduction Strategy” report, York Region Health Services Department staffoutlined the need for a comprehensive public education campaign and a co-ordinatedapproach to achieve the goal of eliminating the non-essential use of pesticides on publiclands in York Region. This had been identified in consultation with stakeholders includingother Regional departments (Transportation and Works, Transportation OperationsBranch; Finance, Supplies and Services Division and Facilities Management Division), area


municipalities, conservation authorities, and school boards, as well as through feedbackfrom the Pesticide Education Forum held on May 29, 2000.

Recent activities have raised the issue of pesticide reduction to a higher level of awareness.On June 28, 2001, the Supreme Court of Canada upheld a by-law passed by the Town ofHudson, a municipality in the province of Quebec, restricting the use of pesticides onprivate property. The Supreme Court concluded that the municipality had legitimate powerto restrict the non-essential use of pesticides within its boundaries under the ‘generalwelfare’ provisions in the Cities and Towns Act, passed by the Province of Quebec, whichallows municipal councils to pass by-laws for the health and general welfare in the territoryof the municipality. The Supreme Court concluded that the by-law’s purpose—to minimizethe use of allegedly harmful pesticides in order to promote the health of its inhabitants—fell within the purview of the “health” component of the general welfare provisions of theCities and Towns Act.

The Supreme Court of Canada also respected the international law "PrecautionaryPrinciple" which is defined as follows: "Where there are threats of serious or irreversibledamage, lack of full scientific certainty should not be used as a reason for postponing cost-effective measures to prevent environmental degradation." This principle is codified inseveral items of domestic legislation including the Oceans Act, the Canadian EnvironmentalProtection Act, and the Endangered Species Act.

This decision has provided the impetus for other area municipalities, including several inOntario (Ottawa, Toronto, Waterloo), to investigate the capacity of an area municipality topass by-laws controlling the non-essential outdoor use of pesticides. Section 102 of theOntario Municipal Act allows area municipalities, not regional municipalities, to pass by-lawsfor the health, safety, morality and welfare of the inhabitants of a municipality. TheOntario Ministry of Environment and the Ministry of Municipal Affairs and Housing arepresently seeking a legal interpretation of the decision and its effect on section 102 of theMunicipal Act and the Pesticide Act to determine whether area municipalities in Ontario havethe jurisdiction to pass by-laws restricting the use of pesticides.

4. ANALYSIS AND OPTIONSFollowing the adoption of the “Pesticide Reduction Strategy” report, and as directed byHealth and Emergency Medical Services Committee and Regional Council, York RegionHealth Services Department staff developed draft Terms of Reference to outline the goalsand objectives of the Pesticide Reduction Task Force and to set out the composition andstructure of the Task Force (see Attachment 1).

The Health Services Department will contact and recruit participants for the Task Forceand schedule a meeting at the earliest possible time. It is anticipated that the work of theTask Force can be accomplished very rapidly as several area municipalities have expressedinterest in this area.


5. FINANCIAL IMPLICATIONSCosts associated with Public Health staff time and other necessary resources will beaccommodated within the 2001 budget.

6. LOCAL MUNICIPAL IMPACTImplementation of these guidelines will be a positive step in achieving the goal ofeliminating the non-essential use of pesticides on public lands.

7. CONCLUSIONThe Health and Emergency Medical Services Committee, in its recommendation that the“Pesticide Reduction Strategy” report be adopted, also recommended that a Task Force beformed to support staff in the development of pesticide reduction guidelines. The goal ofthese guidelines would be to eliminate the non-essential use of pesticides on public lands.Participation by area municipalities, conservation authorities, school boards and externalstakeholders will ensure the success of developing these guidelines. The commitment ofArea Municipal staff and Area Municipal Councillors will be necessary to meet the goalsand objectives of the Task Force.

(A copy of the attachments referred to in the foregoing is included with this report and is also on file in the Office ofthe Regional Clerk.)

3ONTARIO PUBLIC HEALTH ANNUAL CONFERENCE 2002

The Health and Emergency Medical Services Committee recommends theadoption of the recommendations contained in the following report, August 29,2001, from the Commissioner of Health Services:

1. RECOMMENDATIONSIt is recommended that:1. The Health and Emergency Medical Services Committee and Regional Council

endorse York Region Health Services Department’s co-hosting of the OntarioPublic Health Association 2002 Conference.

2. The Commissioner of Health Services be authorized to sign the co-hostingagreement following review by the Regional Solicitor.


2. PURPOSEThe purpose of this report is to provide the Health and Emergency Medical ServicesCommittee and Regional Council with information about the Ontario Public HealthAssociation (OPHA) Annual Conference 2002. The OPHA has approached the YorkRegion Health Services Department to co-host the Annual Conference in York Regionfrom November 18-20, 2002.

3. BACKGROUNDThe OPHA, established in 1949, has been a strong provincial voice for public health issuessince its inception. Its mission is strengthening the impact of people who are active incommunity and public health throughout Ontario.

The OPHA is a non-profit, membership-driven organization, which works to:� Sustain the Public Health System.� Communicate the value-added benefit of community and public health across Ontario.� Make members' issues known to key policy and decision makers using member

resolutions such as: determinants of health, healthy environments, healthy public policy(e.g. AIDS, tobacco), equitable access to health information and services, economicsand social justice, child health and family poverty, and public and community healthresearch.

� Support OPHA members and constituents to impact the health of the public.� Provide a member and association alliance with community health/service

organizations, including a strong link to the Canadian Public Health Association. Thisaffiliation gives the OPHA input and access to matters of national and internationalconcern.

The OPHA Annual Conference provides a provincial forum for profiling the leadingdevelopments and topical issues facing health professionals and other stakeholders who areactive in public and community health throughout Ontario. The specific objectives of thiseducational event are to:� Provide a venue which is accessible and affordable.� Provide a program which is timely and topical.� Provide a venue for enhanced local community and regional relations.� Profile health issues particular to the host community (the Regional Municipality of

York).� Facilitate the active participation of public and community health practitioners.� Address leading issues through keynote presentations.� Provide a positive financial return to the OPHA and the co-hosting organization.� Provide a venue for local economic development.

It is OPHA’s policy to alternate the location of its annual conference between the GreaterToronto Area and another part of the province every other year. This move reflects theAssociation's continued striving and commitment to engage its province-wide membership


in OPHA activities. In this vein, the York Region Health Services Department has beenapproached by the OPHA to co-host the Annual Conference from November 18-20, 2002.

4. ANALYSIS AND OPTIONSThe York Region Health Services Department believes that being co-host of the OPHAAnnual Conference 2002 provides a great opportunity to profile The Regional Municipalityof York and the leading edge work of the Department in the public health field.

Our organization has been a longstanding supporter of the OPHA and its goals, withvarious Department staff having served the Association through the Presidency, Board ofDirectors, various Committee initiatives, conference planning, and speaking engagements.An obvious extension of our involvement would embrace co-hosting the AnnualConference next year.

The relative roles and responsibilities of the OPHA and the co-host are outlined as follows:

In consultation with the OPHA, the co-host:� Designates a Conference Chair and Steering Committee� Establishes Exhibit, Program, Fundraising, Registration and Volunteers, Promotion and

Publicity, Facilities, Social and Finance Committees� Establishes community/regional linkages� Provides administrative support to host committees, including all speaker and exhibitor

correspondence� Provides volunteers for planning and operational committees, and� Engages in all local/regional fundraising efforts\

In consultation with the Conference Steering Committee, the OPHA:� Provides guidance and consultation on all conference-related policies and procedures� Provides monthly financial statements� Approves final Conference budget� Approves Conference site and facility contract, and� Administers all mass mailings and Conference registrations, in addition to applications

for government grants and reception sponsorships (2)

In anticipation of formal approval from Health and Emergency Medical ServicesCommittee and Regional Council, the Conference Chair has been selected. RebeccaMetcalfe, Director of Family and Community Health and Chief Nursing Officer, willundertake this portfolio. Rebecca is a Past President of the OPHA (1989) and brings awealth of experience in OPHA initiatives to the leadership role. Potential members of theSteering Committee have been approached and a first meeting of the Conference SteeringCommittee has been scheduled.

It is the intent of the Steering Committee to develop a stimulating program that appeals to abroad range of health partners within the Region and in the external community.


Conference Committees, whose Chairs will be members of the Steering Committee, willalso invite Regional cross-Departmental membership as appropriate to participate in sharedinterests.

5. FINANCIAL IMPLICATIONSThe York Region Health Services Department, as the co-host of the OPHA AnnualConference 2002, will be responsible for the development of a break-even budget, which isthen forwarded to the OPHA Board of Directors for approval. The co-host agencyreceives 50% of any net conference surplus. In the event of an operating deficit, theOPHA will absorb any outstanding liabilities. The OPHA will provide the Departmentwith $12,000 to support on-site administration costs associated with conference planningand committee support. Costs associated with staff time in excess of the $12,000 will beaccommodated within the Department’s budget.

6. LOCAL MUNICIPAL IMPACTThe OPHA Annual Conference historically draws approximately 600 delegates. Bybroadening the program to appeal to a wider range of constituencies, the York RegionConference Steering Committee will aim for an attendance of between 600 and 1000. TheOPHA has determined that the conference venue will be in Markham or Richmond Hill.Possible sites are currently being explored by the Association. It is anticipated that localbusinesses will benefit through increased revenue and appropriate corporate sponsorshipswill be pursued. In addition, the rich fabric of York Region’s culture will be profiled andtourism will be promoted within the Region.

7. CONCLUSIONThe York Region Health Services Department is excited about co-hosting the OPHAAnnual Conference 2002. The Steering Committee membership profiles a profoundbreadth and depth of public health experience and leadership capacity. From this vantagepoint, the Department is extremely well positioned to develop an excellent forum foreducational enhancement, skill development and networking. The opportunity to promotethe programs, services and amenities of York Region is an added benefit.

The Department requests that the Health and Emergency Medical Services Committee andRegional Council support its involvement in this exciting initiative.


4LICENSING AGREEMENT FOR THE

"5 TO 10 A DAY! ARE YOU GETTING ENOUGH" LOGO


1. RECOMMENDATIONIt is recommended that:1. The Commissioner of Health Services and Medical Officer of Health be authorized by

Regional Council to execute the “5 to 10 a day! Are You Getting Enough?” licensingagreement as well as any subsequent renewals of the Canadian Produce MarketingAssociation in order to permit York Region to participate in this campaign by using thecampaign logo on materials produced by the Health Services Department.

2. PURPOSEThe purpose of this report is to inform Health Services Committee and Regional Councilabout the “5 to 10 a day! Are You Getting Enough?” campaign and to obtain RegionalCouncil authorization for the Commissioner of Health Services and Medical Officer ofHealth to execute the licensing agreement related to Regional participation and use of thelogo developed by the Canadian Produce Marketing Association (CPMA).

3. BACKGROUNDThe Public Health Branch is mandated by the Ministry of Health and Long-Term Care,Mandatory Health Programs and Services Guidelines, 1997 “to reduce the premature mortality andmorbidity from preventable chronic disease.” This goal is achieved, in part, by increasing“to 75 per cent the proportion of the population age four and older consuming five ormore servings of vegetables and fruit daily by the year 2010.”

There is substantial scientific evidence indicating the protective role of vegetables and fruitin the prevention of cancer, heart disease, and stroke. Current evidence shows thatconsuming more vegetables and fruit prevents obesity and contributes to people achievingand maintaining healthy weights.

Recent research has outlined some of the proposed mechanisms of action of thecompounds in vegetables and fruit that provide health benefits. The availability of this datahas rendered greater credibility to previous epidemiological evidence.

Canada’s Food Guide to Healthy Eating, 1992 recommends five to ten servings of vegetablesand fruit per day for people ages four and over. Many Canadians are not aware of and do


not meet this recommendation. For York Region, the 1990 Ontario Health Survey results(the most recent provincial survey assessing vegetable and fruit intake) indicate that only56% of males and 49% of females meet the minimum requirements for intake of vegetablesand fruit. Moreover, very few Canadians are aware of the protective role of vegetables andfruit in preventing chronic diseases.

3.1 National Social-Marketing CampaignThe national campaign “5 to 10 a day! Are You Getting Enough?” was developed in 1999by the CPMA in partnership with the Heart and Stroke Foundation of Canada and theCanadian Cancer Society. The goal of the campaign is to reduce the risk of cancer andcardiovascular disease by encouraging Canadians to consume at least five servings ofvegetables and fruit a day as part of a healthy, active lifestyle. It is an extensive social-marketing initiative geared to increase consumer awareness, knowledge, and skills aroundvegetables and fruit. Current campaign materials consist of radio and television publicservice announcements, brochures, fact sheets, and camera-ready posters. The campaignslogan and logo are gaining greater recognition by consumers, and are being used across theGreater Toronto Area on grocery store produce bags, television, radio and local newspaperadvertising, and on campaign materials developed by other public health departments. Inorder to utilize the logo, organizations are required to sign a licensing agreement with theCPMA.

3.2 Local Programming by York Region Nutrition ServicesNutrition Services is in the initial stages of planning a Region-wide program to promote theconsumption of vegetables and fruit that could expand on the “5 to 10 a day! Are YouGetting Enough?” campaign. We have partnered with the City of Toronto Public HealthDepartment in developing this program. The campaign will incorporate the experiences todate of the Brant County Public Health Unit and City of Ottawa Health Unit who havepiloted campaigns based on the “5 to 10 a day! Are You Getting Enough?” logo andcampaign materials.

Nutrition Services has to date completed pilot testing of a series of four e-mailpresentations sent to all Regional employees. This segment of a larger program is nowbeing piloted by the City of Toronto Public Health Department in workplaces. Theplanned York Region program will focus on increasing awareness and knowledge aroundvegetables and fruit, building skills around incorporating more vegetables and fruit into thediet, and advocating for policies which promote the consumption of vegetables and fruit.The initial area of program implementation will be in workplaces, with future plans to takethe program to the community-at-large.

4. ANALYSIS AND OPTIONSGiven the importance of providing consistent health messages, the Public Health Branchwould like to expand on the national “5 to 10 a day! Are you Getting Enough?” campaign,and incorporate the logo developed by the CPMA into locally developed program materials.


In order to utilize the logo, organizations are required to sign a licensing agreement with theCPMA.

The licensing agreement indicates that health units and health-related organizations areexempted from the $250 license fee that would apply to other institutions. The CPMA willreview, free of charge, all materials produced by the Region and will work with the agencyselected by the Region to produce promotional materials.

Using the “5 to 10 a day! Are You Getting Enough?” campaign material and logo istherefore a cost-effective way of accessing and providing a consistent health message aboutvegetables and fruit.

5. FINANCIAL IMPLICATIONSDue to the $250 license fee being waived for health units, there is no cost to the HealthServices Department. Any graphic design and/or supplies costs will be accommodatedwithin the Public Health budget.

6. LOCAL MUNICIPAL IMPACTThe Region’s participation in the “5 to 10 a day! Are You Getting Enough?” campaign anduse of the logo is a cost-effective way of building on the promotion of vegetables and fruitat the local level by providing consistent messages to the residents of York Region. It isanticipated that the implementation of the campaign in York Region will result in a greaterintake of fruits and vegetables for those who live and work in York Region and therebycontribute to the health status of the population.

7. CONCLUSIONIt is recommended that the Commissioner of Health Services and Medical Officer ofHealth be authorized to execute the licensing agreement and any subsequent renewalsissued by the CPMA in order that York Region Health Services Department can toparticipate in the “5 to 10 a day! Are You Getting Enough?” campaign by using thecampaign logo on its promotional materials.

5ADMISSION TO LTC FACILITY PROGRAM



1. RECOMMENDATIONIt is recommended that the Health and Emergency Medical Services Committee receive andapprove the following report regarding Resident Admissions for May 2001.

2. PURPOSEThis report is provided to the Health and Emergency Medical Services Committee andRegional Council, as the governing body of the Regional LTC Facility Program, inaccordance with applicable legislation.

3. BACKGROUNDThirty-two (32) applicants to the Regional LTC Facility Program have been assessed andproperly documented by the LTC Admissions and Discharge Committee. They have beenfound to be eligible for admission under the terms of the Long-Term Care Act and meet theadmission policies of the Region.

Male 85 Heavy Complex CareFemale 81 Heavy Complex CareFemale 84 Heavy Complex CareMale 81 Psychogeriatric CareFemale 80 Psychogeriatric CareMale 89 Heavy Complex CareMale 62 Heavy Complex CareMale 77 Heavy Complex CareFemale 82 Heavy Complex CareFemale 50 Cognitive CareMale 71 Heavy Complex CareMale 83 Cognitive CareMale 92 Heavy Complex CareMale 80 Cognitive CareMale 78 Cognitive CareFemale 91 Heavy Complex CareMale 82 Heavy Complex CareFemale 82 Heavy Complex CareFemale 79 Heavy Complex CareFemale 89 Heavy Complex CareFemale 89 Heavy Complex CareMale 83 Heavy Complex CareFemale 86 Heavy Complex CareFemale 87 Heavy Complex CareMale 78 Heavy Complex CareFemale 86 Heavy Complex CareMale 51 Heavy Complex CareFemale 82 Cognitive CareMale 79 Heavy Complex Care


Male 68 Heavy Complex CareFemale 81 Psychogeriatric CareFemale 78 Psychogeriatric Care


4.1 RationaleThe scope of this report has been expanded to include all applicants assessed and approvedby the LTC Facility Admission and Discharge Committee in the reporting period.Previously, only approved applicants admitted in a given month were reported toCommittee and Council.

The expanded report provides a more accurate overview of the LTC Facility Program’sadmission-related activity and enhances our compliance with legislation.

4.2 Wait List Administration and TriageOnce applicants are approved by the Admission and Discharge Committee, they are placedon a waiting list that is administered by the Community Care Access Centre (CCAC).Applicants on the waiting list are categorized and prioritized according to risk level, type ofcare, level of care and accommodation requested (private/standard) and are admittedaccording to that criteria. Those individuals that are at greatest risk and/or inappropriatelyplaced in an acute care setting are given the highest priority for placement.

4.3 Reporting Period AdmissionsThe following applicants from our approved waiting list were admitted in the month ofMay 2001:

Female 80 Cognitive CareFemale 81 Cognitive CareMale 94 Heavy Complex CareMale 87 Psychogeriatric Care

5. FINANCIAL IMPLICATIONSThere are no financial implications associated with this report.

6. LOCAL MUNICIPAL IMPACTThere is no local municipal impact associated with this report.

7. CONCLUSIONThe revised report provides more detailed and complete information concerning theapproval of Applications and Admissions to the Region’s Long Term Care Facilities. This


expanded report will be provided on a monthly basis in future to Health and EmergencyMedical Services Committee and Regional Council.

6ADMISSION TO LTC FACILITY PROGRAM


1. RECOMMENDATIONIt is recommended that the Health and Emergency Medical Services Committee receive andapprove the following report regarding Resident Admissions for June 2001.

2. PURPOSEThis report is provided to the Health and Emergency Medical Services Committee andRegional Council, as the governing body of the Regional LTC Facility Program, inaccordance with applicable legislation.

3. BACKGROUNDForty-five (45) applicants to the Regional LTC Facility Program have been assessed andproperly documented by the LTC Admissions and Discharge Committee. They have beenfound to be eligible for admission under the terms of the Long-Term Care Act and meet theadmission policies of the Region.

Male 80 Heavy Complex CareFemale 81 Cognitive CareFemale 83 Heavy Complex CareMale 75 Heavy Complex CareMale 88 Cognitive CareMale 67 Heavy Complex CareFemale 90 Psychogeriatric CareFemale 81 Heavy Complex CareFemale 91 Heavy Complex CareFemale 80 Cognitive CareFemale 92 Heavy Complex CareMale 87 Heavy Complex CareFemale 83 Cognitive CareFemale 58 Heavy Complex CareFemale 92 Heavy Complex Care


Female 77 Heavy Complex CareMale 73 Cognitive CareFemale 98 Heavy Complex CareMale 74 Psychogeriatric CareFemale 78 Heavy Complex CareFemale 84 Heavy Complex CareFemale 85 Heavy Complex CareMale 55 Cognitive CareFemale 84 Heavy Complex CareFemale 76 Cognitive CareMale 74 Heavy Complex CareMale 90 Heavy Complex CareFemale 88 Heavy Complex CareMale 87 Heavy Complex CareFemale 80 Heavy Complex CareFemale 81 Psychogeriatric CareMale 65 Heavy Complex CareFemale 88 Heavy Complex CareFemale 84 Heavy Complex CareFemale 78 Heavy Complex CareFemale 76 Cognitive CareFemale 87 Heavy Complex CareFemale 70 Heavy Complex CareMale 74 Psychogeriatric CareFemale 85 Cognitive CareFemale 79 Heavy Complex CareMale 91 Heavy Complex CareMale 64 Heavy Complex CareFemale 97 Heavy Complex CareFemale 89 Psychogeriatric Care


4.1 Wait List Administration and TriageThis report includes all applicants assessed and approved by the LTC Facility Admissionand Discharge Committee in the reporting period.

Once applicants are approved by the Admission and Discharge Committee, they are placedon a waiting list that is administered by the Community Care Access Centre (CCAC).Applicants on the waiting list are categorized and prioritized according to risk level, type ofcare, level of care and accommodation requested (private/standard) and are admittedaccording to that criteria. Those individuals that are at greatest risk and/or inappropriatelyplaced in an acute care setting are given the highest priority for placement.


4.2 Reporting Period AdmissionsThe following applicants from our approved waiting list were admitted in the month ofJune 2001:

Female 71 Cognitive CareFemale 54 Cognitive CareFemale 77 Cognitive CareMale 81 Cognitive CareFemale 87 Heavy Complex CareFemale 80 Heavy Complex CareMale 68 Heavy Complex Care

5. FINANCIAL IMPLICATIONSThere are no financial implications associated with this report.

6. LOCAL MUNICIPAL IMPACTThere is no local municipal impact associated with this report.

7. CONCLUSIONThis report provides detailed and complete information concerning the approval ofApplications and Admissions to the Region’s Long Term Care Facilities for the month ofJune 2001.

7PARTNERS FOR CLIMATE PROTECTION PROGRAM

The Health and Emergency Medical Services Committee recommends theadoption of the recommendations contained in the following report, August 30,2001, from the Commissioner of Health Services and the Commissioner ofFinance:

1. RECOMMENDATIONSIt is recommended that:1. Regional Council authorize the Regional Municipality of York to participate in the

Federation of Canadian Municipalities' (FCM) and the International Council on LocalEnvironmental Initiatives' (ICLEI) "Partners for Climate Protection (PCP) Program".

2. Authorization be given to the Regional Chair to sign the Resolution.


3. York Region join the International Council of Local Environmental Initiatives as a fullmember at an annual cost of approximately $4,500 U.S.

4. Authorization be given to retain the services of an energy services firm to assist staff inperforming a corporate greenhouse gas emission analysis utilizing the PCP software.

5. Authorization be given for the energy services firm to apply on behalf of the Region forfunding to the Federation of Canadian Municipalities Green Enabling Fund.

2. PURPOSEThe purpose of this report is to seek authorization for the Region to participate in the PCPProgram, to outline the benefits of joining ICLEI as a full member and to engage an energyservices firm to carry out a corporate greenhouse gas emission analysis. This report alsoseeks authorization for the energy services firm to apply on behalf of the RegionalMunicipality of York for federal funding to improve the energy-related efficiency of ouroperations. In addition, this report addresses the corporate requirements to ensure theongoing implementation and management of the PCP and related energy managementprograms.

3. BACKGROUNDAt its meeting held on March 30, 2000, Regional Council adopted the recommendationsembodied in Clause No. 9 of the 4th Report of the Health and Social Services Committee ina report entitled “Corporate Model for Clean Air.” The report directed staff to form asteering committee with representation from the departments of Health Services,Transportation and Works, Finance, Corporate and Legal Services, Human ResourceServices, and Planning and Development Services to explore corporate and community-wide action strategies to improve air quality in the Region.

One recommendation identified in the “Corporate Model for Clean Air” report isparticipation in the Partners for Climate Protection (PCP) Program established through theauspices of the Federation of Canadian Municipalities (FCM) in concert with theInternational Council on Local Environmental Initiatives (ICLEI).

A steering committee has been formed and, under the leadership of Dr. Troy Herrick,Associate Medical Officer of Health and Director, Public Health Programs, has metregularly since February 21, 2000. The committee has discussed many issues related to theCorporate Clean Air initiative and in particular, the PCP Program. The committee exploredthe costs and benefits of participation in the PCP Program and arranged for a presentationby an FCM representative to explain the program in detail and to answer any questions orconcerns. Invitations were extended to Regional Mayors and Councillors, ChiefAdministrative Officers of the area municipalities, Regional Commissioners, and theCorporate Clean Air Steering Committee members.


On July 4, 2000, Louise Comeau of the Federation of Canadian Municipalities identified thepotential opportunities for the Region during a presentation on the PCP Program.Ms. Comeau also announced two new FCM Green Municipal Funds.

On October 23, 2000, Rob Kerr of ICLEI gave a presentation to the Corporate Clean AirSteering Committee on the costs and benefits of using their energy services to establish agreenhouse gas inventory.

On June 20–22, 2001, Chair Bill Fisch attended an ICLEI meeting in Ann Arbor, Michiganand strongly recommends Regional membership. This preparatory meeting of U.S. andCanadian leaders was held to discuss the 2002 United Nations World Summit onSustainable Development. Municipal politicians and expert staff were individually invited toattend this preparatory meeting. A major impetus for requesting our participation was ourinterest in the PCP Program.

3.1 PCP ProgramDuring the Kyoto Conference on climate change in December 1997, Canada agreed toreduce greenhouse gas emissions to 6% below 1990 levels by 2012. The Partners forClimate Protection Program has examined the costs and benefits of implementing theKyoto protocol.

The Federation of Canadian Municipalities merged two existing programs, namely the FCM20% Club and ICLEI "Cities for Climate Protection" Campaign. This new program iscalled "Partners for Climate Protection: For a Better Quality of Life" (PCP).

The goal of this program is to encourage Canadian municipal governments to prepare andimplement local action plans to reduce greenhouse gases such as carbon dioxide, nitrousoxides and methane that have been linked to climate change. The PCP Program follows afive-milestone process for achieving tangible reductions of local greenhouse gases.

Members are encouraged to:1. Profile energy use and emissions for a base year for municipal operations, and then for

emissions community-wide.2. Forecast energy use and emissions for 10 or 20 years into the future for municipal

operations, and then for emissions community-wide.3. Establish a reduction target. Preferred targets are 20% reductions in greenhouse gas

emissions from municipal operations within 10 years of joining the program and a 6%reduction in community-wide emissions within 10 years of joining the program.

4. Develop and finalize a local action plan that aims to reduce emissions and energy use inmunicipal operations, and then expand to reduce emissions in the community. Thislocal action plan will also incorporate public awareness and education campaigns.

5. Implement a local action plan, and initiate measures that will reduce greenhouse gases.

To join, a municipality is asked to make a public commitment, in the form of a CouncilResolution (see Attachment 1), to strive to reduce greenhouse gas emissions in municipal


operations by 20% within 10 years of joining the program. An additional commitment issuggested to strive to reduce greenhouse gases at least 6% below 1990 levels (the Kyototarget) for the community as a whole within 10 years of joining the program. Municipalitiesare asked to demonstrate continuing progress in reducing carbon dioxide (CO2 ) emissionsboth within their own operations and the community at large.

A municipality is not required to join either PCP or FCM in order to access GreenMunicipal Enabling Funds to offset costs of carrying out an energy audit, or any otherfeasibility study.

3.2 ICLEI OverviewICLEI was established in 1990 as an international environmental agency for localgovernments. ICLEI's mission is to serve and build a worldwide movement of localgovernments to achieve tangible improvements in global environmental and sustainabledevelopment conditions through cumulative local actions (see Attachment 2). York Regionhas already implemented sustainability initiatives (e.g., Greening of York Strategy, YorkRegion Transit, Water for Tomorrow Program) and would both contribute to, and benefitfrom, the initiatives of other ICLEI members.

4. ANALYSIS AND OPTIONSThe first step towards membership is the establishment of a profile for energy use andgreenhouse gas emissions for a base year (milestone 1). This baseline emission analysis iscritical for several reasons:� It identifies the sources and quantity of greenhouse gas emissions in the corporation

and the community. Knowing where emissions are generated allows for the selection ofthe most effective measures to reduce emissions.

� It is essential for setting the emission reduction target.� It is essential for monitoring, verifying and reporting reductions in greenhouse gas

emissions.

Fortunately, PCP has developed greenhouse gas emission software, which provides theability to establish an inventory of emissions from both municipal operations and thecommunity at large. Municipalities (i.e. Town of Richmond Hill; Greater VancouverRegional District; and Cities of Windsor, Edmonton, Calgary, Victoria, Winnipeg, Halifax,etc.) are currently using this free software to establish and monitor greenhouse gasemissions.

4.1 ChallengesThe former financial reporting system within the Region may pose challenges in thecollection of the necessary data. Access to historical financial records for a given year (i.e.gas and electricity consumption) may be difficult to obtain and therefore result in the use ofestimates in reporting activities.


4.2 BenefitsBoth FCM and ICLEI offer many services to municipalities who join the PCP Program.Some of these services include tools such as inventory and projection software, annualworkshops, data collection support, templates for local and community action plans, modelprocurement guidelines and model contracts, partnerships with supporting organizations,and access to national and international municipal experience.

Membership will permit the successes from past and present Regional initiatives (e.g. Waterfor Tomorrow Program, Greening of York Region Strategy, Walk to School Program) to bequantified under one program and will also permit the results of future initiatives to beeasily added.

It is expected that the implementation of many of the proposed action plans developedunder the PCP Program will result in improved air quality, a reduction in municipaloperating costs and improved public health.

4.2.1 ICLEI MembershipICLEI membership provides access to a worldwide network of peers and technicalexpertise allowing its members to benefit from, and contribute to, the success of others.

Members have an opportunity to participate in all of ICLEI's international campaigns, notjust the PCP Program. There is an opportunity to play a role in the design and pilot phasesof campaigns and projects.

As a full member, York Region can earn national and international recognition for theirwork. ICLEI is often made aware of funding opportunities and seeks to direct funders toMembers, and Members to funders, where there is a match.

4.2.2 FCM Green Municipal FundsThe Government of Canada has provided a $125-million endowment to the FCM for twofunds to help municipalities improve the eco-efficiency of their operations.

The Green Municipal Investment Fund will provide interest-bearing loans as well as loanguarantees (for up to 15% of eligible costs) to enable recipients to carry out energy andenvironmental projects in municipal operations. It will also provide grants and long-termloans for pilot projects that demonstrate innovative technologies and/or processes thathave an expected investment payback of more than ten years.

The Green Municipal Enabling Fund will provide cost-shared grants (up to one-half ofeligible costs) for energy audits and feasibility studies on proposed projects designed toimprove air, water and soil quality through greater energy efficiency, the sustainable use ofrenewable and non-renewable resources, and more efficient water and waste management.The proposed baseline inventory for greenhouse gas emissions is eligible for funding underthis program.


5. FINANCIAL IMPLICATIONSThere is no membership fee associated with Regional Council authorizing the Region tojoin the PCP Program. It is not necessary for the Region to become a FCM member inorder to become a PCP member.

The cost of retaining the temporary services of a qualified energy services firm to performthe greenhouse gas inventory for a given year is estimated by ICLEI to be between $20,000to $30,000. The cost could be partially offset (up to 50%) through the FCM's GreenMunicipal Enabling Fund. The Property Services Branch of the Finance Department willbe including the costs of the inventory into their 2002 budget.

The annual cost of joining ICLEI as a full member is $4500 U.S. This cost can beaccommodated within the existing Health Services Department 2001 Budget. The annualdues are based on criteria such as population and gross national product.

The implementation of individual action plans (e.g. Green Procurement Plan, Green FleetsPlan) and ongoing building energy audit processes will be managed by the energyco-ordinator, under the new Property Services Branch of the Finance Department. Theenergy co-ordinator position was approved by Regional Council at its June 28, 2001,meeting.

6. LOCAL MUNICIPAL IMPACTArea municipalities will be invited to partner with the Region on PCP action plans and,since the Town of Richmond Hill is already a PCP member, to share information andexperience. Decreased energy use corporately will contribute to decreased greenhouse gasemissions and ultimately to improved human and environmental health.

7. CONCLUSIONMembership in the Partners for Climate Protection Program is a small but important firststep in the process of developing and implementing local action plans to improve air qualityand reduce greenhouse gas emissions in the Region. It is important that the Regioncontinues to demonstrate leadership by implementing measures that enhance efficiencieswithin our own operations that will result in reduced costs, enhanced air quality, and thepromotion of sustainable development in York Region. Full membership in ICLEI willcontribute to the goal of sustainable community development, while earning national andinternational recognition for the Region’s achievements.

(A copy of the attachment referred to in the foregoing is included with this report and is also on file in the Office of theRegional Clerk.)


8PUBLIC HEALTH PROGRAMS

2000 CERTIFICATE OF SETTLEMENT

The Health and Emergency Medical Services Committee recommends theadoption of the recommendations contained in the following report, September5, 2001, from the Commissioner of Finance:

1. RECOMMENDATIONSIt is recommended that:1. The Certificate of Settlement for the Public Health Programs for the year 2000 be

received; and

2. The Certificate of Settlement be signed by the Medical Officer of Health.

2. PURPOSEThe Ministry of Health and Long-Term Care requires that a separate audited annualCertificate of Settlement be submitted for the Public Health general programs.

The final audit has been completed by the Region’s audit firm for the fiscal year endedDecember 31, 2000. A copy of the Certificate of Settlement is attached.

York Region’s Public Health Services provide programs and services required by theMinistry of Health and Long-Term Care’s Mandatory Health Programs and ServicesGuidelines, December 1997, under the provisions of the Health Protection and PromotionAct. The Family and Community Health, Dental and Nutrition Services, Health Protectionand Infectious Diseases Control divisions deliver various programs and services under theAct.

3. FINANCIAL IMPLICATIONS

3.1 Program ExpendituresThe actual net expenditures, as reported on the Certificate of Settlement were $17,475,340.Of this amount, $8,737,670 was funded by the Ministry and tax levy respectively. Theunderexpenditure was due to salary and benefit gapping in the affected programs.

3.2 Program FundingThe net budgeted expenditures of $19,610,423 were approved by the Ministry for 2000 at a50% subsidy rate, or $9,805,212. An equal amount was to be funded from tax levy.


Indirect corporate services provided in support of this program are not funded by theMinistry. These services include Human Resources, Corporate and Legal, FacilitiesManagement and services provided by the Finance Department such as Payroll,Accounting, Budgeting, Purchasing and Information Technology.

4. LOCAL MUNICIPAL IMPACTThere are no local municipal implications associated with this report.

5. CONCLUSIONThe Ministry of Health and Long-Term Care requires that the attached Certificate ofSettlement be signed by the Medical Officer of health.

9ADULT DAY CENTRE PROGRAMS

2000 ANNUAL RECONCILIATION REPORT


1. RECOMMENDATIONSIt is recommended that:1. The Annual Reconciliation Report of the Adult Day Centre Programs for the 2000

fiscal year be received; and

2. The “Certification of Agency” be signed by the Program Director and the RegionalChair.

2. BACKGROUNDThe Ministry of Health and Long-term Care service contract requires that a separate auditedAnnual Reconciliation Report be submitted for Adult Day Centres. This report is based ona modified cash basis of accounting. The modified cash basis differs from generallyaccepted accounting principles (GAAP) by excluding accruals for revenues andexpenditures beyond 30 days from the fiscal year end.

The final audit has been completed by the Region’s audit firm for the fiscal year endedDecember 31, 2000. A copy of the Reconciliation Report is appended as Attachment 2.


The Adult Day Centre Programs provide a supportive environment that assist clients inachieving and maintaining the maximum level of functioning, thus preventing prematureinstitutionalization, as well as offering respite and supportive care for caregivers. It operates5 days a week, as well as an overnight respite program. Adult Day Centre services wereprovided to 125 clients in York Region during 2000. The Program is being expanded toincrease the overnight respite days to meet the needs of clients with cognitive impairmentand related disorders.


3.1 Program ExpendituresOf the actual expenditures totalling $841,942 as reported on the final audited reconciliation,100% was funded by the Province. The program was under budget a net of $242,484 or22.4% of Provincial subsidy approval. The program was within a year of start up and dueto lower than projected attendance at the centre there was staffing expenditure savings aswell as client transportation and meal cost reductions. The overnight respite program at theMaple Health Centre had not commenced operations in 2000.

3.2 Program FundingTotal budgeted expenditures of $1,084,426 were approved by the Ministry for 2000 at asubsidy rate of 100%.



5. CONCLUSIONThe Ministry of Health and Long-term Care requires the attached financial return bereceived by the Committee and that the “Certification of Agency” be signed by theProgram Director and the Regional Chair.


10HEALTHY BABIES, HEALTHY CHILDREN PROGRAM

2000 YEAR END SETTLEMENT


1. RECOMMENDATIONSIt is recommended that:1. The 2000 Year End Settlement of the Healthy Babies/Healthy Children Program be

received.

2. PURPOSEThe Ministry of Health and Long-Term Care requires that a separate audited annualComparative Statement of Revenue and Expenditures be submitted for the HealthyBabies/Healthy Children Program.

The final audit has been completed by the Region’s audit firm for the nine-month periodended December 31, 2000. The fiscal year end for the program was changed from March31 to December 31 in 2000. The statements for 2001 and subsequent years will be basedon a twelve month calendar year.

The Healthy Babies/Healthy Children Program is a mandatory 100% provincially fundedprogram. It is a preventative early intervention program intended to improve the well-beingand long-term prospects of children.


3.1 Program ExpendituresThe net program expenditures for the nine-month period totalled $1,584,481, resulting in asurplus of $223,768 which has been recovered by the Ministry. The underexpenditure wasprimarily due to salary and benefit gapping. In addition, the fiscal year for this program waschanged from March 31 to December 31, resulting in the underspending of programsupplies.

3.2 Program FundingTotal budgeted expenditures of $1,808,249 were approved and cash flowed by the Ministry.The program is 100% subsidized.




5. CONCLUSIONThe Ministry of Health and Long-Term Care requires that a separate audited annualComparative Statement of Revenue and Expenditures be submitted for the HealthyBabies/Healthy Children Program. This report and the attached Auditor’s Report andYear-End Settlement satisfies this requirement.

11ALTERNATIVE COMMUNITY LIVING PROGRAM

2000 ANNUAL RECONCILIATION REPORT


1. RECOMMENDATIONSIt is recommended that:1. The Annual Reconciliation Report of Alternative Community Living Program for the

2000 fiscal year be received; and

2. The “Certification by Agency” be signed by the Program Director and the RegionalChair.

2. BACKGROUNDThe Ministry of Health and Long-term Care service contract requires that a separate auditedAnnual Reconciliation Report be submitted for the Alternative Community Living Program(ACL). This report is based on a modified cash basis of accounting. The modified cashbasis differs from generally accepted accounting principles (GAAP) by excluding accrualsfor revenues and expenditures beyond 30 days from the fiscal year end.


The final audit has been completed by the Region’s audit firm for the fiscal year endedDecember 31, 2000. A copy of the Reconciliation Report is appended as Attachment 2.

The Alternative Community Living Program provides twenty-four hour personal care tovulnerable, at risk individuals in the community. Essential support services andhomemaking were provided to 124 seniors in York Region during 2000. The programcontinues to have a waiting list of 110 individuals, far exceeding the 84 apartments nowbeing served. Proposals are being prepared to expand supportive housing within theRegion and meet the needs of the growing seniors’ population.


3.1 Program ExpendituresOf the actual expenditures totalling $1,663,739 as reported on the final auditedreconciliation, $1,252,587 was funded by the Province, $125,868 from client fees, $285,284from tax levy. The program was under budget a net of $210,040 or 11.2% of Provincialsubsidy approval. The Alternative Community Living Program was granted expansionfunding from the Ministry of Health and Long Term Care to allow for flexible careprovision on an outreach basis to other tenants residing in the existing ACL apartmentbuilding sites. These funds are utilized based on the fluctuating needs of the tenantscurrently residing in non-designated apartments at the program sites.

3.2 Program FundingThe budgeted expenditures of $1,873,779 were approved by the Ministry for 2000 at anapproximate subsidy rate of 76% or $1,431,059. The remaining program costs of $442,720were to be funded $157,436 through client fees, $285,284 from tax levy.



5. CONCLUSIONThe Ministry of Health and Long-term Care requires the attached financial return bereceived by the Committee and that the “Certification by Agency” be signed by theProgram Director and the Regional Chair.


12UPDATE - COMMITTEE PROCEEDINGS

The Health and Emergency Medical Services Committee advises Council of thefollowing matters having been considered by the Health and Emergency MedicalServices Committee with the corresponding action as noted:

PRESENTATIONS

1. ‘Journey Support Services’, an agency being initiated in the Region to addressthe issue of postnatal support for families, by Co-founders Tammy MacIsaacand Angela Spiers.

The Committee received the presentation and requested staff to prepare areport regarding the Program for a future meeting of the Committee.

COMMUNICATIONS

The Committee received the following Communications:

2. Rekha Lakra, May 21, 2001, to Regional Councillor Joyce Frustaglio, requestingsponsorship for an internship.

3. Sylvia Fenton, Chairperson, Board of Health, Timiskaming Health Unit, June 7,2001, forwarding a Resolution passed by the Board of Health, June 6, 2001 anda letter to Dr. Colin D’Cunha dated June 7, 2001, concerning additional staffingcosts of maintaining an on-call system.

4. The Honourable Elinor Caplan, Minister of Citizenship and Immigration, Ottawa,June 18, 2001, regarding medical examination of immigrants and refugees andmedical surveillance for inactive tuberculosis.

5. Dr. K.H. Jaczek, July 3, 2001, to The Honourable Allan Rock, Minister of Health,Ottawa, regarding ‘Screening of Immigrants for Tuberculosis’.

6. Carolyn Lance, Committee Secretary, Town of Georgina, June 18, 2001,regarding the ‘West Nile Virus Contingency Plan’.

7. Robert M. Prentice, Director of Corporate Services/Town Clerk, Town ofNewmarket, June 26, 2001, regarding the ‘West Nile Virus Contingency Plan’.

8. Chris Somerville, Clerk, Township of King, July 13, 2001, regarding the ‘WestNile Virus Contingency Plan’.


9. Sheila Birrell, Town of Markham, August 30, 2001, regarding the ‘West NileVirus Contingency Plan’.

10. Donna L. Reynolds, Associate Medical Officer of Health, The RegionalMunicipality of Durham, June 27, 2001, to The Honourable Tony Clement,Minister of Health and Long-Term Care, regarding the investigation of spectrumbeta lactamase (ESBL) E. coli.

11. Regional Councillor Diane Humeniuk, Town of Newmarket, June 28, 2001, toDr. K.H. Jaczek, Commissioner of Health Services and Medical Officer ofHealth, regarding ‘Public Access Defibrillation (PAD)’.

12. John B. Sutton, Fire Chief, City of Vaughan, August 7, 2001, regarding ‘PublicAccess Defibrillation’.

13. Yvonne Hurst, Council Co-ordinator, Town of Whitchurch-Stouffville, June 29,2001, to Dr. K.H. Jaczek, Commissioner of Health Services and Medical Officerof Health, regarding ‘Rating System for Food Premises in York Region’.

14. Nancy Wright-Laking, Town Clerk, Town of Newmarket, July 23, 2001, regarding‘Proposal to Licence and Rate Eating Establishment and Food Stores’.

15. Chris Somerville, Clerk, Township of King, July 26, 2001, regarding ‘Options forthe Implementation of a Rating System for Food Premises in York Region andOptions for Disclosing the Results of Food Premises Inspections’.

16. The Honourable Allan Rock, Minister of Health, Ottawa, July 19, 2001, toRegional Councillor Joyce Frustaglio, regarding the ‘Federal Tobacco ControlStrategy (FTCS)’.

17. John A. King, Assistant Deputy Minister, Ministry of Health and Long-Term Care,Health Care Programs, August 3, 2001, regarding ‘Patient Priority SystemUpdate’.

18. Regional Councillor Diane Humeniuk, Town of Newmarket, August 8, 2001, toDr. K.H. Jaczek, Commissioner of Health Services and Medical Officer ofHealth, regarding an article entitled, ‘Laidlaw to Seek Bankruptcy Protection’.

19. Bill Russell, Chairman, Board of Health, North Bay & District Health Unit, August21, 2001, to The Honourable Michael Harris, Premier, regarding ‘InadequateFunding – Healthy Babies, Healthy Children (HBHC) Program’.

20. The Honourable David H. Tsubouchi, M.P.P., Markham, September 4, 2001, toThe Honourable Tony Clement, Minister of Health and Long-Term Care,


regarding ‘Funding Template for Land Ambulance Services’.

OTHER BUSINESS

21. Partnership Proposal with Markham-Stouffville HospitalThe Committee received the document, not included in the Agenda, entitled‘Markham Stouffville Hospital, Participation House & Regional Municipality ofYork – Partnership to Build a Model Long-Term Health Care Campus for YorkRegion’, dated September 6, 2001.

The Committee approved the concept and authorized staff to proceed asoutlined in the document, and to request the Ministry of Health and Long-Termcare to allocate the beds to the Region.

The Committee received the following verbal reports from Brad Meekin, GeneralManager, E.M.S., regarding issues which were discussed at the June, 2001meeting of the Committee:

22. Paramedic Consultation SessionsMr. Meekin informed the Committee that four information sessions were heldwith paramedics regarding the 2001 deployment strategy. A number of issuesand suggestions were brought forward by staff having to do with the processand implementation of the plan, stations, staffing, vehicles and borders. Mr.Meekin noted C.U.P.E.’s participation at the meetings and stated that acommittee has been struck involving a number of stakeholders to deal withsome of these issues.

23. Ambulance Calls – Possible Language BarrierMr. Meekin stated that data is not collected by the Ministry of Long-Term Careand central ambulance stations on the number of calls generated in York Regionwhich require the use of the AT&T Language Line. According to informationreceived by Mr. Meekin, it is rarely used. If required, a three-way conferencecall with an interpreter is initiated, which does not delay the appropriateresponse.

24. Activities Regarding the Emergency Situation in the U.S.A.Mr. Meekin provided details on a GTA-wide plan, and York Region’s EMS role inthat plan, should it become necessary to assist in the emergency situation.

The Health and Emergency Medical Services Committee meeting adjourned at3.21 p.m.


Respectfully submitted,

September 13, 2001 J. FrustaglioNewmarket, Ontario Chair

(Report No. 7 of the Health and Emergency Medical Services Committee wasadopted, without amendment, by Regional Council on September 20, 2001.)

the regional municipality of york report no. 7 of the...

Documents