Item - 2025.HL26.6

The Board of Health:

1. Received the item for information.

Director Charles Ozzoude gave an overview on Update on the alPHa 2025 Annual General Meeting and Conference.

As Toronto’s representative on the Association of Local Public Health Agencies (alPHa) Board of Directors and the Board of Health (BOH) Section Executive Committee, I attended the 2025 alPHa Annual General Meeting and Conference, held here in Toronto from June 18 to 20.

The event brought together public health leaders from across Ontario. It served as a valuable opportunity to share updates from our respective public health units, engage in shared learning, and build connections with peers across the province. According to organizers, the AGM and Conference is an important educational and networking event, featuring high-profile speakers and a range of timely public health topics.

Established in 1986, alPHa is a not-for-profit organization that provides leadership to Ontario’s boards of health and their local public health units.

Conference Highlights:

1. St. Lawrence Market Walking Tour – Explored Toronto’s food history and its connections to
public health regulation and safety.

2. Keynote by Marc Forgette – Founder of Makatew Workshops, Marc led a compelling
session rooted in Indigenous teachings, including the hands-on weaving of Dream
Catchers.

3. Topical Sessions on Public Health Priorities:

• Partnering with Ontario Health and Public Health Ontario
• Indigenous engagement and public health
• Navigating Ontario’s evolving policy landscape
• Provincial update from Chief Medical Officer of Health, Dr. Kieran Moore

 
4. Distinguished Service Awards – Recognizing outstanding leadership and long-standing
contributions to public health in Ontario.

                     
5. Section Meetings – Included discussions among members of the Boards of Health (BOH)
and the Council of Ontario Medical Officers of Health (COMOH), as well as the annual
business meeting and passage of key resolutions.