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Board of Health

Established under the Ontario Health Protection and Promotion Act, the Board of Health determines and sets public health policy and advises City Council on a broad range of health issues and services that include health assessment, health protection, disease prevention and health promotion. Board of Health for the City of Toronto Health Unit By-law 2-2019, as amended by Board of Health for the City of Toronto Health Unit By-Law 1-2020 governs the proceedings of the Board of Health and its committees.

Board Responsibilities

The board:

• Ensures public health programs and services in Toronto are delivered according to provincial standards and in response to local needs
• Works with Toronto Public Health staff to develop strategic plans, goals and policies for Toronto Public Health
• Advises City Council on a broad range of health issues
• Recommends the annual capital and operating budgets to City Council

Board composition

The Board of Health consists of 13 members and is composed of:

• 6 Council members
• 6 members of the public
• 1 education representative

Term of office

The term of office for public members of the board is four years, generally coincident with the term of Council.

Eligibility requirements

Public members must meet the eligibility requirements as set out in the City's Public Appointments Policy.

Under the Health Protection and Promotion Act, public members are ineligible for appointment to the board if their services are employed by the Board of Health.

Qualifications

Public members of the Board of Health should collectively demonstrate a range of qualifications including:

• interest or background in issues affecting municipal public health programs and services
• interest or skills in planning and policy development leading to a comprehensive municipal public health agenda that meets local community needs
• experience in organizational activities, such as committees, non-profit groups, voluntary societies, occupational associations
• skills in leadership and management and/or experience in administration and budget development
• demonstrated skills in conflict management, negotiation and mediation
• ability to make a commitment to monthly involvement in Board of Health meetings and related committee or other activities
• a youthful perspective, defined as an individual in the 18-30 age range, is a desired qualification for at least one public member

Chair and vice chair qualification

Under the Health Protection and Promotion Act, the Board of Health elects the chair and vice chair from amongst its members.

Meeting and Time commitment

The board meets at Toronto City Hall approximately 10 times a year or more frequently at the call of the chair.

Remuneration

Public members receive $125 per diem for attendance at board meetings, subcommittee meetings or attendance at meetings as official representatives of the board

No remuneration is paid to members of Council who serve on the board.

Nomination process - Education representative

For the one education representative, both the Toronto District School Board and the Toronto Catholic District School Board are invited to nominate a candidate for the consideration of the City's Civic Appointments Committee.

Related links

• Board of Health agendas and minutes