Item - 2024.HL18.4

The Board of Health recommends that:

1. City Council delegate authority to the Medical Officer of Health to enter into agreements, with any government, agency, community organization, private entity or individual for the purpose of receiving and using funds for the provision of Toronto Public Health programs and services in the amount of $500,000 or less on such terms and conditions that are satisfactory to the Medical Officer of Health and in a form approved by the City Solicitor provided that the cumulative amount received from any individual order of government, agency, community organization, private entity or individual shall not exceed $500,000 in any calendar year.

On occasion, Toronto Public Health (TPH) can apply for grants from third parties, including community organizations and agencies reporting to other orders of government. The purpose of a grant can range from providing additional public health services for community benefits, to engaging in research and projects that support topics of public health significance.

A recent example of this is a partnership with the Urban Public Health Network (UPHN), where Urban Public Health Network will provide Toronto Public Health with a one-time transfer of $100,000 CAD to enhance human papillomavirus (HPV) vaccination rates among high school students for the 2024/2025 and 2025/2026 school years. Funding will be used to initiate a project that will enhance communications and youth engagement to increase HPV vaccination.

This report seeks City Council authority for the Medical Officer of Health to accept grants, and to enter into contractual agreements for the purpose of accepting grants in the amount of $500,000 or less. If approved, this increase in delegated authority will enable Toronto Public Health to accept the Urban Public Health Network one-time funding, as well as access funds received from any future grants more quickly. Grants and funding above this amount would be reported to Council. Both the Board of Health and City Council will continue to be informed of all grant amounts received by Toronto Public Health through the annual budget process.