Hamilton health board could include actual health-care professionals
Published January 25, 2023 at 11:06 am
Big changes are being proposed for the Hamilton Board of Health.
Ward 2 Coun. Cameron Kroetsch introduced a motion on Tuesday that would overhaul the board’s structure, ensuring that actual health-care professionals are shaping policy and that schools are represented.
Under a current City of Hamilton by-law, the board must consist of all 16 city councillors and be chaired by the mayor. Kroetsch’s proposal would bring Hamilton in line with big cities, like Toronto and Ottawa, amending the by-law so the board would consist of six city councillors, six community health professionals, and one education representative. The board would also no longer require the mayor to be chair.
Many have criticized the health board’s structure for lacking individual expertise while shaping the city’s response to COVID-19 and other health matters.
Ward 3 Counc. Nrinder Nann is backing the overhaul, tweeting Wednesday morning that certified health professionals will bring “good, engaged, and informed decisions” that advance “population health outcomes.”
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The 12-person selection committee responsible for appointing six community health professionals and an education representative would consist of six councillors and six community representatives, as recommended by the Greater Hamilton Health Network, the Hamilton Anti-Racism Resource Centre, the Refugee Newcomer Health Centre, and the Coalition of Hamilton Indigenous Leadership.
The motion will go to a vote on Feb. 8.
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