Minutes
of the June 15, 2022
MANITOULIN-SUDBURY DSB BOARD MEETING
Present: Arthur Hayden, David Santi, Paul Schoppmann, Richard Stephens, Kevin Burke, Michael Levesque, Jim Rook, Jill Beer, David Ham, and Edgar Lovelace
Regrets: Bruce Killah and Richard Malette
Staff: Fern Dominelli, Donna Stewart, Paul Myre, Melody Ouellette and Ehren Baldauf
1.0 CALL TO ORDER
In Bruce Killah’s absence Kevin Burke assumed the Chair.
Kevin Burke, called the meeting to order at 10:00 a.m.
2.0 DECLARATIONS OF CONFLICT OF INTEREST
There were no declarations of conflict of interest.
3.0 Closed Session
Resolution 22-60
Moved by: Vern Gorham
Seconded by: David Santi
BE IT RESOLVED THAT the Board move into closed session at 10:06 a.m.
Carried
Resolution 22-61
Moved by: Paul Schoppmann
Seconded by: Richard Stephens
BE IT RESOLVED THAT the Board adjourn this closed session at 10:46 a.m. and move to the regular Manitoulin-Sudbury DSB Board meeting.
Carried
Minutes
of the June 15, 2022
MANITOULIN-SUDBURY DSB BOARD MEETING
Present: Arthur Hayden, David Santi, Paul Schoppmann, Richard Stephens, Kevin Burke, Michael Levesque, Jill Beer, Jim Rook, David Ham and Edgar Lovelace
Regrets: Bruce Killah and Richard Malette
Staff: Fern Dominelli, Donna Stewart, Paul Myre, Melody Ouellette, Kristian Thorne, and Ehren Baldauf
Media: Michael Erskine, The Manitoulin Expositor
1.0 Chair, Kevin Burke, called the meeting to order at 10:53 a.m.
2.0 Land Acknowledgement
We begin this meeting by acknowledging that we are all on land that has been inhabited by Anishnawbek Nations for 10’s of thousands of years.
We’d like to acknowledge that we are here in the Robinson-Huron Treaty territory and the land on which we gather is the traditional territory of the Atikameksheng Anishnawbek and we would like to give thanks for sharing this land in order for us to continue in our work.
Today, this meeting place is still the home to many Anishnabek nations from across Turtle Island and we are grateful to have the opportunity to unite, live, work and play on this land.
3.0 Business Arising from Closed Session
Resolution No. 22-62
Moved by: David Ham
Seconded by: Arthur Hayden
WHEREAS the DSB has received $200,000 from the Ministry of Health for an addition to the Wiikwemkoong ambulance base in addition to 12 hours staffing costs at 100% provincial cost; and
WHEREAS the DSB has discovered that the new addition will cost approximately $400,000.
THEREFORE BE IT RESOLVED that the DSB Board approve up to $250,000 be withdrawn out of DSB working reserve for the purposes of the paramedic services base with the understanding that the Ministry of Health will pay us back at 100% or that this be recovered over a 5 year period at a 3% interest rate.
Carried
4.0 Adoption of Agenda
Resolution No. 22-63
Moved by: David Santi
Seconded by: Paul Schoppmann
BE IT RESOLVED THAT the Agenda be adopted.
Carried
5.0 Declarations of Conflict of Interest
There were no declarations of conflict of interest.
6.0 Adoption of Minutes
Resolution No. 22-64
Moved by: Jill Beer
Seconded by: David Ham
BE IT RESOLVED THAT the Minutes of the May 26, 2022, Board meeting be approved as presented.
Carried
7.0 Committee Meetings
7.1 Human Resources
The Human Resources Committee met June 14, 2022. In Richard Malette’s absence Kevin Burke Chaired the meeting.
Kevin Burke, Chair of the Committee provided the Board with an update on items discussed at the meeting.
7.1.1 New Policy
Ehren Baldauf, Human Resources Consultant, walked the board through the New Human Resources Policy C.4.15 Disconnecting from Work.
To be compliant with legislature employers that employ 25 or more employees are required to have a written policy on disconnecting from work in place for all employees.
The health and wellbeing of our employees is of the utmost importance to us, and as such, the Manitoulin-Sudbury District Services Board encourages and supports our employees in prioritizing their own wellbeing.
Disconnecting from work is important for an individual’s wellbeing, and helps employees achieve a healthy and sustainable work-life balance.
Disconnecting from work means to not engaging in work-related communications, including emails, telephone calls, video calls or the sending or reviewing of other messages, to be free from the performance of work.
This policy applies to all employees, as defined by the Ontario Employment Standards Act (ESA) which means only those employees of the DSB which are considered employees under the ESA.
An employee’s ability to disconnect from work depends on the Manitoulin-Sudbury DSB’s operational needs and the duties and obligations of the employee’s position, subject to an employee’s employment contract, applicable collective agreement and/or their minimum statutory entitlements under the ESA.
This Policy does not afford employees a “right to disconnect” beyond what is within their individual employment contract, applicable collective agreement and/or their minimum statutory entitlements under the ESA, which may include rights or entitlements speaking to: normal hours of work and hours free from work, overtime pay, meal and/or rest periods, public holidays and public holiday pay, and vacation.
Resolution No. 22-65
Moved by: Edgar Lovelace
Seconded by: Vern Gorham
WHEREAS the Human Resources Committee has reviewed the new Human Resources Policy C.4.15 Disconnecting from Work.
THEREFORE BE IT RESOLVED THAT the Manitoulin-Sudbury DSB accepts the Human Resources Committees recommendation and approves the new Human Resources Policy C.4.15 Disconnecting from Work effective June 2, 2022.
Carried
7.2 Program Planning Committee
The Program Planning Committee met June 14, 2022. Kevin Burke, Chair of the Committee provided the Board with an update on items discussed at the meeting.
7.2.1 Homelessness Prevention Policies
Kristian Thorne, Community Housing Program Supervisor, walked the Board through the Homelessness Prevention Policies.
As reported at the April 2022 board meeting, the ministry has introduced the Homelessness Prevention Program April 1, 2022.
The Homelessness Prevention Program (HPP) is designed to provide the necessary resources to establish a coordinated housing and homelessness system so the people at risk of or experiencing homelessness have the housing and support services that they need to retain and/or obtain stable housing and achieve better outcomes.
As result of this new program the DSB is looking to revoke our Healthy Communities Fund policy and replace it with 4 new HPP policies.
The new policies will be specific to each of the outputs designed to reach the desired outcomes of preventing homelessness, addressing homelessness, and reducing chronic homelessness.
Resolution No. 22-66
Moved by: David Santi
Seconded by: David Ham
WHEREAS the Program Planning Committee has reviewed the Homelessness Prevention Policies, 10.1 Housing Assistance, 10.2 Community Outreach and Supportive Services, 10.3 Emergency Shelter Solutions and 10.4 Supportive Housing and is recommending approval to the Board; and
WHEREAS the Program Planning Committee recommends revoking policy 10.1 Healthy Communities Fund to be replaced by the new Homelessness Prevention Polices.
THEREFORE BE IT RESOLVED that the Board accept the Program Planning Committees recommendation and revoke policy 10.1 Healthy Communities Fund, and approve the new Homelessness Prevention Policies, 10.1 Housing Assistance 10.2 Community Outreach and Supportive Services, 10.3 Emergency Shelter Solutions and 10.4 Supportive Housing effective July 1, 2022.
Carried
7.2.2 Housing and Homelessness Plan Update
Kristian Thorne, Community Housing Program Supervisor, walked the Board through the Housing and Homelessness Plan Update.
The purpose of this report is to provide the Program Planning Committee and the Ministry of Municipal Affairs and Housing with a Year Seven Update and Homelessness Plan for the 2021 calendar year.
The 4 goals were reviewed with the Board along with examples on how the DSB is achieving each one of those goals in relation to the 10-Year Housing and Homelessness Plan.
The DSB will continue to work towards addressing each goal and continuing with the work achieved thus far. We believe in our 10-year plan and will continue to work towards ensuring our communities benefit from our commitment.
Resolution No. 22-67
Moved by: Richard Stephens
Seconded by: Michael Levesque
WHEREAS the Program Planning Committee has reviewed the Housing and Homelessness Plan Year Seven Update and the 10-Year Housing and Homelessness Plan – 2021 Progress Report and is recommending approval to the Board;
THEREFORE BE IT RESOLVED that the Board accept the Program Planning Committees recommendation and approve the Housing and Homelessness Plan Year Seven Update and the 10-Year Housing and Homelessness Plan – 2021 Progress Report and direct staff to action the recommendations in the report.
Carried
7.2.3 Paramedic Services
Paul Myre, Chief of Paramedic Services, walked the Board through the Paramedic Services Recommendation 2 – Option A – Issue Report.
Paramedic Services staff have explored Recommendation #2 - Option A to provide a comprehensive report back to the Board. The issue report provides a detailed description of the analytic methodologies utilized and presents the board with 2 options for future consideration.
Staff also have an additional recommendation for the Boards consideration prior to exploring either of the 2 options presented.
Despite the public and political opposition to the recommendation, staff utilized an unbiased approach to provide the planning committee and the board with the most fulsome and unfettered report for consideration.
Additionally, in discussions with the Ministry of Health’s EHS Northeast Field Office, we are on the precipice of having the Medical Priority Dispatch System (MPDS) software implemented which would reduce the burden of high priority call assignments and enhance service operators’ ability to dictate intended use of resources.
It is essential to note that staff read all the letters, emails and petitions submitted by the public and politicians to the DSB voicing their concerns and advocacy for Paramedic Services in their community.
After this in-depth process, staff bring forward 2 options for consideration.
1.Remain status-quo. Accept the Sault Ste Marie Innovation Centre’s report changing nothing understanding and accepting the current service gaps; wait until MPDS is deployed and then revisit this issue in the future using an updated data set.
2.Proceed with Recommendation #2 - Option A and return with an operationalization plan with clearly defined timelines, communication plan that would see no changes in service until the summer/fall of 2023. The operationalization plan would include upstream community consultation sessions in each impacted area.
Before the board selects an option, staff are recommending that the Board first lobby the local Members of Provincial Parliament and the Minister of Health to address the needs of the residents of the DSB. The Board would request one time funding for new Paramedic stations and new Ambulances for the French River (Bigwood)/Estaire area and the western end of Manitoulin Island. This request would also include the provision of ongoing annualized operating funding for full-time paramedic staffing at both stations.
Resolution No. 22-68
Moved by: Michael Levesque
Seconded by: David Santi
WHEREAS the Program Planning Committee has reviewed the Paramedic Services Recommendation 2 - Option A - Issue Report and is recommending approval to the Board; and
WHEREAS the Program Planning Committee is not recommending approval of either option.
THEREFORE BE IT RESOLVED that the Board lobby the local Members of Provincial Parliament and the Minister of Health to address the needs of the residents of the DSB. The Board would request one time funding for new Paramedic stations and new Ambulances for the French River (Bigwood)/Estaire area and the western end of Manitoulin Island. This request would also include the provision of ongoing annualized operating funding for full-time paramedic staffing at both stations.
FURTHER BE IT RESOLVED that the Board accept the Program Planning Committees recommendation and approve the Paramedic Services Recommendation 2 - Option A - Issue Report and direct staff to action the recommendations in the report.
Carried
8.0 New Business
8.1 TWOMO Election
Donna Stewart, Associate CAO, reminded the Board of the upcoming TWOMO Election.
To support the 2022 elections in TWOMO, I am pleased to inform you that each DSSAB with 1 TWOMO can receive up to $25,000 for the administration of the 2022 TWOMO elections in their area. For DSSABs with more than 1 TWOMO area, up to $2,000 will be available for each additional TWOMO.
As per the ministry’s key requirements, the election of members representing TWOMOs must take place on October 24, 2022.
The nomination period will end August 19, 2022 (Nominations may be submitted beginning May 1, 2022).
8.2 Paramedic Week Highlights
Paul Myre, Chief of Paramedic Services gave the Board a brief update on Paramedic Services Week which took place on May 22nd-28th.
This year’s theme was ‘The Faces of Paramedicine’ and focused on different specialties within the Paramedic profession.
The Paramedic Services department was very active during this important week, and I am pleased to report that we were able to hold open houses at each of our 13 locations. The open houses were based on feedback from our Paramedic Advisory Committee. The purpose of the open houses was for our communities to stop in to one of our stations, have a tour, sit in an ambulance and of course meet their Paramedics.
To cap off an amazing week, the members of OPSEU local 679 commissioned a video in recognition of our Paramedics which was shared publicly and was included in local media publications.
As Chief of Paramedic Services, I am so proud of the work that went into making the week a huge success and shined a very bright light on our deserving Paramedics and support staff.
9.0 Other Business
The Board congratulated Fern Dominelli, CAO on his upcoming retirement and thanked him for 22 years of dedicated service.
10.0 Next Meeting – September 21, 2022
11.0 Adjournment
Resolution No. 22-69
Moved by: Michael Levesque
Seconded by: Jill Beer
BE IT RESOLVED THAT we do now adjourn at 11:46 am. until the next regular meeting to be held on September 21, 2022.
Carried
Original Signed by Bruce Killah, Chair
Original Signed by Fern Dominelli, CAO (Secretary-Treasurer of the Corporation)
Original Signed by Donna Stewart, Associate CAO