Minutes of the Meeting - 11/27/2025

Held on November 27, 2025 at 4:00 p.m. – Microsoft Teams

1.0 Roll Call

Municipal Members:

• Michelle Boileau – City of Timmins
• Mark Wilson – Temiskaming Shores
• Andrew Marks – City of Timmins
• Jeff Laferriere – Temiskaming Shores
• Carol Lowery – Rural South: Armstrong, Brethour, Casey, Cobalt, Coleman, Harley, Harris, Hilliard, Hudson, Kerns, Latchford, Temagami, Thornloe
• Paul Kelly – Rural Central South: Charlton & Dack, Chamberlain, Englehart, Evanturel, Gauthier, James, Larder Lake, McGarry, Matachewan
• Gary Fortin – Kapuskasing
• Marc Dupuis – Rural North: Fauquier-Strickland, Hornepayne, Hearst, Mattice-Val Côté, Moonbeam, Opasatika, Val Rita-Harty
• Casey Owens – Kirkland Lake
• Curtis Arthur – Provincial Appointee
• Todd Steis – Provincial Appointee
• David Lowe – Provincial Appointee
• Tory Delaurier – Rural Central North: Iroquois Falls, Black River Matheson
• Suzanne Perras – Provincial Appointee
• Rock Whissell – City of Timmins

NEPH Executive:

• Dr. Lianne Catton – Medical Officer of Health/Chief Executive Officer
• Randy Winters – Director of Corporate and Protection Services
• Rosa Montico-Reimer – Director of Finance

Recorder:

• Lori McCord – Executive Assistant

Regrets:

• Cindy Campbell – Provincial Appointee
• Peter Politis – Cochrane, Smooth Rock Falls
• Savion Nakogee – Rural Far North: Moosonee, James Bay and Hudson Bay region

Guests:

• Chris Pomeroy, CPA, CA, LPA – KPMG LLP
• Lori Stoltz – Morris + Stoltz LLP

1.1 Call to Order

Chair Boileau called the meeting to order at 4:05 p.m.

1.2 Approval of Agenda

1.3 Declaration of Pecuniary Interest and General Nature

None declared.

2.0 Agenda Items for Information, Discussion, Decision

2.1 2024 Legacy PHU Final Audit Financial Statements and Report

3.0 Inquest

Dr. Catton provided a report on the inquest proceedings and recommendations regarding the unprecedented blastomycosis outbreak in Constance Lake First Nation. The outbreak was incredibly tragic with the loss of five beloved community members and ongoing traumatic impacts for the entire community. The inquest began on October 15th and extended to November 17th with the verdict of the jury read on November 19th. As a result of the approved application for standing status there were important opportunities to contribute to materials shared during the inquest, ask questions of other witnesses, and to collaborate on the public health recommendations as related to the outbreak. and support important recommendations for the North and ongoing health inequities for First Nation populations and Indigenous communities.

Seventy-nine recommendations with eleven themes were made. The Jury Recommendations Verdict of Inquest were shared with the Board and Dr. Catton advised the Board that more fulsome reports, ongoing updates and further discussion would be forthcoming. While jurisdiction did not factor into the public health response due to strong pre-existing relationships, it was important to apply a broad lens to recommendations to ensure it does not impact any in the future across the Province. Some recommendations reinforce commitments NEPH has prioritized for some time such as cultural mindfulness training. This has been a requirement of orientation since 2019 and at the time of the inquest 85% of staff have completed the training and is also an expectation of the Board of Health. Ongoing opportunities to learn and grow are provided for the team, and there is appreciation for the need to continue to reflect, deepen our understanding and apply this to our relationships and the work we do. NEPH remains committed to the recommendations of the inquest and to cultivating meaningful relationships respecting self-determination with First Nations communities and Indigenous peoples we are so fortunate to share lands with.

4.0 Closed Session

The Board went into a closed session at 4:55 p.m. as outlined in the Ontario Municipal Act, 2001 , c.25, s 239 (s) (a) security of a property (e) litigation or potential litigation, including matters before tribunals affecting the Board (b) personal matters about an identifiable individual, including Board employees.

The Board of Health rose from the closed session at 6:47 p.m.

5.0 NEPH Board of Health Minutes – October 23, 2025

6.0 Agenda Items for information, Discussion, Decision

6.1 Infrastructure Update

Dr. Catton provided an update of the Pine St. Timmins HVAC system, the work completed to date and measures taken to reduce impacts on client and patient services. The timeline for expected completion is mid-December.

6.2 Proposed Meeting Schedule

The Board of Health meeting schedule for 2026 was previously shared.

6.3 Procurement Policy Edits

The Procurement Policy was previously shared. Dr. Catton provided an overview of the changes to the policy which included the change to the amount allocation for Managers and Directors to align with the organizational structure.

6.4 Provincial Appointees

Chair Boileau advised that Curtis Arthur, Suzanne Perras, Todd Steis, Cindy Campbell, and David Lowe have been approved for a three-year term as Provincial Appointees. Chair Boileau thanked the appointees for their commitment to the Board, and the goal of strengthening public health across Northeastern Ontario.

6.5 alPHa Fall Conference Attendance

alPHa’s Fall Symposium was held virtually November 5th to 7th.

6.5.1 Association of Local Public Health Agencies Conference Updates

Suzanne Perras reported that alPHa’s Fall Symposium was once again an excellent opportunity to connect, participate and learn. An informative session was held on Leading Others: Understanding Communication Styles. Important updates from alPHa, Dr. Kieran Moore, CMOH and Karima Velji, Chief Nursing Officer, were also received.

7.0 Medical Officer of Health/Chief Executive Officer Report

Dr. Catton provided an update on the organization and shared recent highlights of services and programs. The enclosed presentation summarizes the main points shared for information purposes. Chair Boileau thanked Dr. Catton for her report.

8.0 Correspondence

The correspondence was received for information purposes.

9.0 Date of Next Meeting

Next meeting of the Board of Health to be held on January 29, 2026 at 4:00 p.m.

10.0 Adjournment