Decisions

The Board of Health:

1. Adopted Toronto Public Health's Strategic Plan 2024-2028 outlined in Attachment 1 to the report (June 20, 2024) from the Medical Officer of Health.

2. Directed the Medical Officer of Health to develop an implementation plan that includes monitoring and tracking to measure progress for the 2024-2028 Strategic Plan and to report to the Board of Health with annual progress reports on the implementation of the 2024-2028 Strategic Plan.

3. Directed the Medical Officer of Health to develop a public dashboard that will track the progress of implementation of the 2024-2028 Strategic Plan.

4. Directed the Medical Officer of Health to include a "Strategic Impact" section on all reports from Toronto Public Health to the Board of Health which outlines how the report aligns with and advances strategic priorities and objectives.

5. Directed that progress on implementation of the 2024-2028 Strategic Plan should be a metric integrated into the performance appraisal of the Medical Officer of Health.

6. Requested the Medical Officer of Health to report to the Board of Health in the third quarter of 2027 with an interim report on the full-term implementation of the 2024-2028 Strategic Plan, to inform the development of the next strategic plan; and recommendations on re-establishing the Board of Health - Strategic Plan Development Committee to develop the next Toronto Public Health strategic plan.

7. Requested the Medical Officer of Health to monitor forthcoming changes to the Ontario Public Health Standards and report to the Board of Health on changes and their impact.

The Medical Officer of Health gave a presentation on Toronto Public Health Strategic Plan 2024-2028.

This report outlines the components of Toronto Public Health's new strategic plan and recommends its adoption by the Board of Health. The Toronto Public Health Strategic Plan 2024-2028 vision is a city where all people can be healthy and thrive.

A strategic plan is a requirement for the Board of Health as outlined in the Ontario Public Health Standards. Toronto Public Health, through the leadership of the Board of Health - Strategic Plan Development Committee, developed its Strategic Plan 2024-2028 through jurisdictional and evidence scans, and extensive engagement with staff, community members, and partners. This included surveys, public consultations, and meetings, resulting in feedback from 1,419 individuals and approximately 62 organizations. This input shaped the strategic priorities and objectives for the next four years.

As Toronto Public Health emerges from the pandemic response, the new strategic plan will serve as the guiding blueprint to help navigate key priorities, ensuring continued delivery of high-quality programs and services to the diverse population of more than 3 million residents in Canada's most multicultural city.

The Toronto Public Health Strategic Plan 2024-2028 includes:

Vision: A city where all people can be healthy and thrive.

Mission: Toronto Public Health protects and improves health at a population level while reducing health inequities.

Values:

- Accountable and transparent

- Community engaged and connected

- Equitable and inclusive

- Credible and evidence-informed

- Innovative leadership

Priorities:

1. Strengthen health protection, disease prevention, and emergency preparedness.

2. Promote health and well-being across the lifespan.

3. Promote the conditions to support positive mental health and reduce the harms of substance use.

4. Advocate to advance health equity.

5.  Nurture a positive workplace culture.

Supporting activities and measurement indicators will be implemented and monitored through operational workplans for annual report back to the Board of Health. Implementation will involve collaboration with partners and continuous engagement with TPH staff to ensure effective action and measurement of success.

At its meeting on June 4, 2024, the Board of Health – Strategic Development Committee considered Item HX4.1, Toronto Public Health's Strategic Plan 2024-2028.

The Board of Health:

1. Received the report (June 21, 2024) from the Medical Officer of Health for information.

The Deputy Medical Officer of Health and the Associate Medical Officer of Health gave a presentation on Toronto Public Health’s Wildfire Smoke Response Strategy.

Due to climate change, wildfires have become an increasingly significant concern worldwide, impacting ecosystems, communities, and public health. The effects of wildfires extend beyond the immediate vicinity of the fire, as wildfire smoke can travel long distances, impacting air quality in distant regions. 

In June 2023, Toronto experienced the impacts of wildfire smoke on its air quality for the first time, posing health risks, especially to vulnerable populations disproportionately impacted by poor air quality. In response, Toronto Public Health developed an initial Wildfire Smoke Response Strategy, designed as an iterative document to be reviewed and updated as the wildfire situations in Canada evolve.

This report outlines Toronto Public Health's 2023 Wildfire Smoke Response Strategy, and the changes made for the 2024 wildfire season. The 2024 update incorporates the Ontario Ministry of Health's first Wildfire Smoke and Air Quality Reference Document, released in spring 2024. Developed in collaboration with subject matter experts from Toronto Public Health, organizations across the province, and guidance from Environment and Climate Change Canada, it also integrates lessons learned from the 2023 season and best practices from other regions with more wildfire experience.

For the 2024 season, the City will introduce the Cleaner Air Spaces Network, providing safe spaces for people during smoke events who face barriers accessing clean air or who lack air filtration systems at home. Cleaner Air Spaces Network locations include Toronto Civic Centres (Scarborough, East York, York, and North York), Metro Hall, and City Hall. These locations will operate as cleaner air spaces during their regular operating hours, welcoming residents in need of respite from the smoke.

The Board of Health:

1. Received the report (June 20, 2024) from the Medical Officer of Health for information.

This report provides the Board of Health with an update on the risk management reporting that is part of the Ontario Public Health Standards Accountability Framework. It outlines risks and challenges facing Toronto Public Health in 2024, which include talent availability, resource capacity to address evolving and emerging public health issues, and challenges securing public support and adherence to public health advice.