Minutes of the September 23, 2021
MANITOULIN-SUDBURY DSB BOARD MEETING
Present: Bruce Killah, Richard Malette, Michael Levesque, Ted Lovelace, Richard Stephens, Kevin Burke, Ned Whynott, David Ham, Paul Schoppmann, Maureen Van Alstine, Jill Beer and Arthur Hayden
Regrets: David Santi
Staff: Fern Dominelli, Donna Stewart, Connie Morphet, Melody Ouellette, Paul Myre, Lori Clark and Ehren Baldauf
Chair, Bruce Killah, called the meeting to order at 9:30 a.m.
There were no declarations of conflict of interest.
Resolution 21-68
Moved by: Jill Beer
Seconded by: Kevin Burke
BE IT RESOLVED THAT the Board move into closed session at 9:30 a.m.
Carried
Resolution 21-69
Moved by: Arthur Hayden
Seconded by: Michael Levesque
BE IT RESOLVED THAT the Board adjourn this closed session at 10:10 a.m. and move to the regular Manitoulin-Sudbury DSB Board meeting.
Carried
MANITOULIN-SUDBURY DSB BOARD MEETING
Present: Bruce Killah, Richard Malette, Michael Levesque, Ted Lovelace, Richard Stephens, Kevin Burke, Ned Whynott, David Ham, Paul Schoppmann, Maureen Van Alstine, Jill Beer and Arthur Hayden
Regrets:David Santi
Staff: Fern Dominelli, Donna Stewart, Connie Morphet, Melody Ouellette, Paul Myre and Lori Clark
Media: Michael Erskine, The Manitoulin Expositor
During its Closed Session, the Board discussed Human Resources and Property Issues.
3.0 Adoption of Agenda
Resolution No. 21-70
Moved by: Kevin Burke
Seconded by: Paul Schoppmann
BE IT RESOLVED THAT the Agenda be adopted.
Carried
No Conflicts declared
Resolution No. 21-71
Moved by: Richard Malette
Seconded by: Maureen Van Alstine
BE IT RESOLVED THAT the Minutes of the June 24, 2021 meeting be approved.
Carried
Richard Malette was elected as Chair of the Program Planning Committee.
Lori Clark, Acting Director of Integrated Social Services walked the Board through the Ontario Works Service Plan 2021-2022.
The Ontario Works Two-Year Service Plan is a required document by all CMSM/DSB’s every 2 years, and it is submitted to the Ministry of Children Community and Social Services.
In this plan, we give an overview of our oversight strategy regarding financial, staffing and community involvement as well as an overview of the Integrated Social Assistance Monitoring Framework.
Resolution No. 21-72
Moved by: Ned Whynott
Seconded by: Ted Lovelace
WHEREAS the Program Planning Committee has reviewed the Ontario Works Service Plan 2021-2022 and is recommending approval to the Board.
THEREFORE BE IT RESOLVED THAT the Board accept the Program Planning Committees recommendation and approve the Ontario Works Service Plan 20212022 and direct staff to action the recommendations in the report.
Carried
6.2.1 10 Year Housing and Homelessness Plan
Lori Clark, Acting Director of Integrated Social Services walked the Board through the 10-Year Housing and Homelessness Plan – Issue Report and the 2020 Housing and Homelessness Report Card.
The purpose of this report is to provide the Board and the Ministry of Municipal Affairs and Housing with a year six update on the 10-Year Housing and Homelessness Plan for the 2020 calendar year.
Progress for years one through five were presented to the Board each year and submitted to the Ministry of Housing.
In year five, the Ministry of Municipal Affairs and Housing required Service Managers to review their 10-Year Housing and Homelessness plan. As a result of that review, we developed a report card which will be used for years 6-10.
The report card identifies 4 goals followed by priorities for action. Each priority has inputs, activities, outputs, outcomes and impacts that will be reported on annually.
We believe in our 10-year plan and will continue to work towards ensuring our communities benefit from our commitment.
Resolution No. 21-73
Moved by: Arthur Hayden
Seconded by: Jill Beer
WHEREAS the Program Planning Committee has reviewed the Housing and 10-Year Housing and Homelessness Plan – Issue Report and the 2020 Housing and Homelessness Report Card and is recommending approval to the Board.
THEREFORE BE IT RESOLVED THAT the Board accept the Program Planning Committees recommendation and approve the 10-Year Housing and Homelessness Plan – Issue Report and the 2020 Housing and Homelessness Report Card and direct staff to action the recommendations in the report.
Carried
6.2.2 Social Services Relief Fund Phase 4
Lori Clark, Acting Director of Integrated Social Services walked the Board through the Social Services Relief Fund Phase 4 Investment Plan, the Canada-Ontario Community Housing Initiative Investment Plan and the Social Services Relief Fund Phase 4 – Issue Report.
On August 16, 2021, the Manitoulin-Sudbury DSB board chair received important details regarding additional provincial funding being offered to us through the fourth phase of Ontario’s Social Services Relief Fund (SSRF) and through the Canada-Ontario Community Housing Initiative (COCHI).
To receive phase 4 funding, the Ministry required a completed Investment Plan for SSRF and a completed Investment Plan for COCHI. They required our sign back to the terms and conditions of the funding by September 15, 2021.
This final phase of SSRF funding will enable continued support of the vital services that were established to address the impacts of COVID-19 on vulnerable Ontarians, while ensuring an orderly winddown of provincial supports as the SSRF comes to an end.
The Manitoulin-Sudbury DSB will receive an additional $1,130,700 in provincial funding through a fourth phase of Ontario’s SSRF for the 2021-2022 fiscal year.
Resolution No. 21-74
Moved by: Richard Malette
Seconded by: Richard Stephens
WHEREAS the Program Planning Committee has reviewed the Social Services Relief Fund Phase 4 Investment Plan, the Canada-Ontario Community Housing Initiative Investment Plan, and the Social Services Relief Fund Phase 4 – Issue Report and is recommending approval to the Board.
THEREFORE BE IT RESOLVED THAT the Board accept the Program Planning Committees recommendation and approve the Social Services Relief Fund Phase 4 Investment Plan, the Canada-Ontario Community Housing Initiative Investment Plan and the Social Services Relief Fund Phase 4 – Issue Report and direct staff to action the recommendations in the report.
Carried
6.3.1 Capital Planning
Paul Myre, Chief of Paramedic Services walked the Board through the Paramedic Services Capital Planning – Issue Report and the Call Volume Report.
Some of our paramedic stations are approaching end of their operational life and will soon require significant renovations or perhaps even replacement within the next 10 years. Many of the stations the Paramedic Services inherited were not designed for today’s realities and occupancy requirements. These stations were transitioned from one service to the next as they were the depots that were already operational and were likely the least disruptive and cost-effective options at that time.
The Building Condition Analysis performed by Housing Services Corporation last year, has been the impetus for commencing an in-depth analysis that will inform future decision.
We have engaged the services of the Sault Ste Marie Innovation Centre to perform a heat mapping of 911 calls throughout the entire Manitoulin-Sudbury district for a 3-year period. This heat mapping exercise of all urgent and emergent Paramedic Services calls over this three (3) year period provides a focused analysis of our response times relative to our station locations. A close assessment of our current asset location and exploration of system optimization opportunities are necessary for downstream planning purposes.
Resolution No. 21-75
Moved by: Maureen Van Alstine
Seconded by: Vern Gorham
WHEREAS the Program Planning Committee has reviewed the Paramedic Services Capital Planning – Issue Report and the Call Volume Report and is recommending approval of this report to the Board.
THEREFORE BE IT RESOLVED THAT the Manitoulin-Sudbury DSB accepts the Program Planning Committees recommendation and approves the Paramedic Services Capital Planning – Issue Report and the Call Volume Report and directs staff to action the recommendations contained within the report.
Carried
6.3.2 COVID-19 Vaccination for Paramedics
Paul Myre, Chief of Paramedic Services walked the Board through the new Policy G.8.14 COVID-19 Vaccination for Paramedics and the COVID-19 Vaccination Medical Exemption Form.
On August 17th, 2021, Ontario’s Chief Medical Officer Of Health issued COVID-19 Directive #6 mandating Paramedic Services to “establish, implement and ensure compliance with a COVID-19 vaccination policy requiring its employees and students to provide”:
a)Proof of full vaccination against COVID-19; OR
b)Written proof of a medical reason, provided by a physician or registered nurse
in the extended class that sets out:
c) Proof of completing an educational session approved by the Covered Organization about the benefits of COVID-19 vaccination prior to declining vaccination for any reason other than a medical reason.
Directive #6 mandates that this policy was to come into force by September 7th, 2021. Accordingly, a policy was drafted, and all staff were directed to review it by their next scheduled shift.
For those who for whatever reason are not/cannot be vaccinated, the mandatory education was posted in our learning management system and the mandatory Rapid Antigen Testing requirements have been reiterated. Point of Care Rapid Antigen Testing is no longer recommended for fully vaccinated populations however we will be, for the time being, maintaining the status quo for those who wish to voluntarily self-test as part of the provincial surveillance program.
Resolution No. 21-76
Moved by: Ted Lovelace
Seconded by: Ned Whynott
WHEREAS the Program Planning Committee has reviewed the new Paramedic Policy G.8.14 COVID-19 Vaccination for Paramedics and the COVID-19 Vaccination Medical Exemption Form and is recommending approval to the Board.
THEREFORE BE IT RESOLVED THAT the Board accept the Program Planning Committees recommendation and approve the new Paramedic Policy G.8.14 COVID-19 Vaccination for Paramedics and the COVID-19 Vaccination Medical Exemption Form to be added to the Paramedic Services Policy Manual effective September 7, 2021.
Carried
Donna Stewart, Associate CAO, walked the board through the CAO Quarterly Report. This report will be shared with member municipalities who are encouraged to add it to Council agenda packages.
Resolution 21-77
Moved by: Paul Schoppmann
Seconded by: David Ham
BE IT RESOLVED THAT the 2021 CAO Second Quarter Activity Report be approved as presented.
Carried
Connie Morphet, Director of Finance and Administration walked the Board through the Second Quarter Unaudited Financial Report which is forecasting a year-end surplus of $172,624.
Resolution 21-78
Moved by: David Ham
Seconded by: Richard Malette
BE IT RESOLVED THAT the 2021 Second Quarter Unaudited Financial Report be approved as presented.
Carried
Connie Morphet, Director of Finance and Administration walked the Board through the new Policy 6.06 Acceptance of Procurement and Terms of Use.
The new HR Policy will ensure the proper use of procurement cards, all purchases will be DSB approved purchases only. Items not on the approved purchases list will require prior approval for purchase from the CAO or designee.
The purchasing limit is $500 without prior approval. Written approval is required to exceed the limit.
Resolution 21-79
Moved by: Jill Beer
Seconded by: Michael Levesque
WHEREAS the Manitoulin-Sudbury DSB has reviewed the new Human Resources Policy 6.06 Acceptance of Procurement Card and Terms of Use.
THEREFORE BE IT RESOLVED that the Manitoulin-Sudbury DSB approve Policy 6.06 Acceptance of Procurement Card and Terms of Use to be added to the Human Resources Policy Manual effective October 1, 2021.
Carried
7.4.1 Correctional Discharges into Housing
Lori Clark, Acting Director of Integrated Social Services walked the Board through a letter from the Association of Municipalities of Ontario (AMO) to Deborah Richardson, Deputy Solicitor General, Correction Services and Kate Manson-Smith, Deputy Minister, Ministry of Municipal Affairs and Housing
The purpose of the letter was to propose a dedicated, time-limited staff working group to address the issue of inmates that are discharged into homelessness.
AMO acknowledged the ongoing efforts of the ministry but stressed there is more to be done. Municipal expertise can assist in addressing the issue. When inmates are discharged into homelessness or inappropriate housing, their cycle of homelessness continues and there is often a risk of repeated incarceration.
The proposed group would be co-chaired by a municipal service system manager, the Ministry of Municipal Affairs and Housing and the Ministry of the Solicitor General with participation from relevant ministries.
All parties could work together to co-design policies, procedures, and protocols. The goal would be to ensure that inmates are appropriately discharged into housing and adequately supported to transition back into the community in a safe and healthy manner.
7.4.2 Early Years Funding and the National System
Lori Clark, Acting Director of Integrated Social Services walked the Board through Early Years Funding and the National System – Issue Report.
In a letter dated July 27, 2021, AMO asked the province to reverse its decision on administrative changes to the Child Care Funding.
The Ministry of Education plans to proceed with phasing in changes to the administrative cost-sharing arrangements. This will have funding implications which, as a result, will likely lead to a reduction of some childcare services. The rationale for the change has never been provided.
CMSMs/DSSABS are required to cost share the operating portion of Expansion Plan funding at a rate of 80/20 provincial/municipal and all administration funding, including Wage Enhancement administration funding at a rate of 50/50.
The threshold for allowable administration funding municipalities can spend on Child Care will be reduced from 10% to 5%. Reducing the administrative cost threshold from 10% to 5% in 2022 will place added pressure on municipalities and DSSABs to fill gaps and/or reduce services to children and their families.
Staff are recommending that the Board support the AMO request that the administrative changes be reversed in recognition of the detrimental impacts to those served by the childcare system.
Resolution 21-80
Moved by: David Ham
Seconded by: Kevin Burke
WHEREAS the Association of Municipalities (AMO) has written to the Honourable Stephen Lecce, Minister of Education regarding its concerns with the changes to administrative cost-sharing arrangements; and
WHEREAS the Ministry of Education is planning to proceed with phasing in changes to cost-sharing arrangements and has not provided rationale for the change to 50/50 administrative funding cost-share for the full envelope as it does not reflect the fact that municipal service system managers administer provincial initiatives on behalf of the province, such as Wage Enhancement/Home Child Care Enhancement Grant program; and
WHEREAS reducing the administrative cost threshold from 10% to 5% in 2022 will place added pressure on municipalities and District Social Services Administration Boards to fill the gaps and/or reduce service to children and their families; and
WHEREAS there has not been a significant reduction in administrative burden to offset the impact of the changes nor decrease in responsibilities; and
WHEREAS the Manitoulin-Sudbury DSB has reviewed the Early Years Funding and the National System - Issue Report.
THEREFORE BE IT RESOLVED THAT the Manitoulin-Sudbury DSB approves The Early Years Funding and National System – Issue Report and authorize staff to action the recommendations contained within the report and;
FURTHERMORE BE IT RESOLVED THAT the Manitoulin-Sudbury DSB endorses AMO’s letter to the Minister and supports the request that the Province reverses the administrative changes in recognition of the detrimental impacts to those served by the child care system and;
FURTHERMORE BE IT RESOLVED THAT a copy of this resolution be sent to Minister Lecce, AMO, FONOM, NOMA, NOSDA and OMSSA.
Carried
7.4.3 Social Assistance Recovery and Renewal
Lori Clark, Acting Director of Integrated Social Services walked the Board through a letter from AMO to Minister Fullerton regarding social assistance recovery and renewal.
AMO acknowledged the ongoing engagement with the 47 service system managers on both the co-design of the new model and the vision for human services integration.
The letter stressed the importance that all partner ministries be at the table with the Provincial Municipal Social Assistance and Employment Services Committee (PMSAEC) and the Human Services Collaborative table, including employment, housing, child care, education, justice, corrections, and health.
The Ministry of Health is needed as a fully engaged partner. Social assistance and health care transformation need to be interrelated moving forward beyond the immediacy of the pandemic. For life stabilization to be successful, health supports, especially mental health and addiction supports are essential.
AMO recommended the provision of supports to increase the capacity of non-profit community sector to provide health and social services essential to life stabilization.
7.4.4 OAPC Joint Community Paramedicine Policy Framework
Paul Myre, Chief of Paramedic Services walked the Board through the a letter to Minister Elliot and Minister Phillips from AMO regarding the OAPC Joint Community Paramedicine Policy Framework.
The OAPC and AMO have collaborated to provide a joint position and policy framework paper as a primer to hopefully assemble a provincial working group as a means to works towards and secure permanent funding for Community Paramedicine (CP).
Through this letter and policy framework, the goal is to align all services under one sustainable funding umbrella and make necessary legislative changes recognizing Community Paramedics within the Ambulance Act and secure 100% base funding as CP is complimenting if not strengthening Ontario’s primary health care system.
Connie Morphet, Director of Finance and Administration briefed the Board on a letter from the Ministry of Health and Long-Term Care in regard to the 50/50 Land Ambulance Services Grant for the year 2021.
The maximum base funding is $9,798,136 with respect of the 50/50 funding. This amount was revised after the First Nation funding was corrected.
The 50/50 funding was reduced from the 2020 amount by $37,781 due to the increase for First Nation funding.
Paul Myre, Chief of Paramedic Services walked the Board through the OAPC Joint Community Paramedicine Policy Framework.
The Ontario Association of Paramedic Chiefs (OAPC) has been active in advocating for advancements in paramedicine and expressing a definite commitment to continuous improvements that are rooted in evidence, best practice, community engagement and lessons learned.
This framework details the collective vision of the OAPC and proposes some recommendations for the future of paramedicine in Ontario utilizing 5 areas of focus: Funding, Regulatory Framework, Dispatch, Community Paramedicine, Inter-disciplinary collaboration, and First Nations. As outlined in the document the OAPC details a “road map” on how best to bring the framework to life.
Lori Clark, Acting Director of Integrated Social Services gave the Board an update on the memos shared with service system managers and child care licencees regarding health and safety precautions and immunization disclosure requirements.
The Ministry of Education announced on August 18th the requirement of an immunization disclosure policy for all licensed child care settings. Licensee requirements came into effect September 7th and need to be fully implemented by September 27th, 2021.
Donna Stewart, Associate CAO, gave the Board an update on the Youth Job Connection – Summer 2021.
The Youth Job Connection Summer Program has operated in Chapleau since 2014. This year’s recruiting of students was challenging.
Once students are registered, they attend virtual Pre-Employment Training (23 hours) in order to prepare them for their job placement.
Students are then matched with a suitable employer from the community and an agreement is signed indicating the days, hours of work and the funding allocation for each student.
Once the students completed their placement, some had the opportunity to continue their employment with the placement agency. Others terminated their employment for various reasons, including leaving the community for postsecondary education, seasonal employment elsewhere or their hours of employment did not coincide with their schooling hours.
In total, 12 youth completed their training and placements during the summer months and 4 additional youth have done their training and are currently in a part-time placement while they are in school.
Donna Stewart, Associate CAO gave the Board a brief update on the 2021 NOSDA AGM.
This year’s NOSDA AGM was held virtually on June 22, 2021. During the AGM, three NOSDA Executive Members were voted in. Michelle Boileau as the NOSDA Chair, Mark King as Vice-Chair, Nipissing DSSAB and Penny Lucas as Vice Chair Kenora DSB.
During the AGM, NOSDA adopted 12 Resolutions relating to:
Resolution 21-81
Moved by: Paul Schoppmann
Seconded by: Richard Stephens
WHEREAS the Manitoulin-Sudbury District Services Board has reviewed the 2021 NOSDA resolutions that were presented and adopted at the Annual General Meeting on June 22, 2021.
THEREFORE BE IT RESOLVED THAT the Manitoulin-Sudbury DSB endorses the NOSDA Resolutions and encourages NOSDA members to advance these issues with the Federal and Provincial government.
Carried
Lori Clark, Acting Director of Integrated Social Services requested that the Board recognize October 21st, 2021, as the 21st Annual Child Care Worker & Early Childhood Educator Appreciation Day in recognition of the education, dedication, and commitment of child care workers to children, their families and quality of life of the community.
Resolution 21-82
Moved by: Jill Beer
Seconded by: Kevin Burke
WHEREAS years of research confirms the experiences children have in the early years have an extraordinary impact on children’s intellectual, emotional, social, and physical development and later life outcomes; and
WHEREAS quality Child Care and EarlyON experiences promote the well-being of children and respond to the needs of parents, Child Care workers and the broader community by supporting quality of life so that citizens can fully participate in and contribute to the economic and social life of their community; and
WHEREAS many studies show trained and knowledgeable Early Childhood Educators and early years staff are the most important element in quality Child Care and EarlyON programs.
THEREFORE BE IT RESOLVED THAT October 21, 2021, be designated the 21st annual “Child Care Worker & Early Childhood Educator Appreciation Day” in recognition of the education, dedication, and commitment of Child Care workers to children, their families and quality of life of the community.
Carried
Donna Stewart, Associate CAO walked the Board thought the FONOM/NOMA and NOSDA Joint Media Release.
Just before the AMO conference, representatives of FONOM/NOMA/NOSDA met collectively with members of Premier Ford's Cabinet and the Government.
The topics that were discussed were that of Homelessness, Mental Health, and Addictions (Opioid Crisis). FONOM’s Board Chair and members of the Executive shared with the Government the challenges our communities are experiencing.
FONOM and NOMA are requesting that all of NOSDA’s municipalities and CMSM/DSB’s demonstrate a united message from Northern Ontario with a resolution that calls to the Province to address it’s intensified social crisis.
Resolution 21-83
Moved by: Arthur Hayden
Seconded by: Richard Malette
WHEREAS Communities across the province are addressing an intensified social crisis, and Northern Ontario is no different. We recognize that creating solutions will require a multi-ministry approach, but if there are lessons to be learned from this pandemic, what were once cracks in the health care foundation, there are now large gaps forming especially around mental health, addictions, and homelessness and;
WHEREAS Northern Ontario has significant challenges when it comes to accessing mental health and addictions services for our people in our communities and;
WHEREAS over 300 Child care staff who provide services to over 21,000 licensed child care spaces in over 340 locations across the North, and they see the effects of Mental Health and Addictions every day in the children they care for and the parents they support and;
WHEREAS over 500 Social Services staff who provide financial and employment assistance to over 15,000 families in 37 delivery sites across over 800,000 square kilometers in the North. The over 300 Community Housing staff who provide safe and affordable housing to over 17,000 families in the North and;
WHEREAS Police and over 900 Paramedics responded to 200,000 medical emergency 911 calls, and Paramedics have seen the direct results of the Mental Health and Addictions crisis in the North and some cases becoming ill themselves trying to cope with what they have seen and;
WHEREAS FONOM appreciates the efforts of all the agencies that are working to help and support those addicted to opioids. In some districts, over 30 agencies are providing some assistance. But we would like to see the consolidation of these agencies with the input of Municipalities/DSSAB’s and local stakeholders. As we believe, a streamlined agency would be able to put the combined funds to better use.
THEREFORE BE IT RESOLVED that the Manitoulin-Sudbury DSB supports FONOM request that our Northern Ontario Health Teams, in consultation with Municipalities / DSSAB’s and local stakeholders support a province-wide strategy that supports such consolidation and;
FURTHER BE IT RESOLVED that a copy of this resolution to be shared with Premier Ford, Christine Elliott, the Minister of Health Elliott, Michael Tibollo, Associate Minister of Mental Health and Addictions, the Leaders of the Provincial Oppositions, AMO, FONOM, NOMA and DSB member municipalities.
Carried
Resolution 21-84
Moved by: Vern Gorham
Seconded by: David Ham
BE IT RESEOLVED THAT we do now adjourn at 11:45 a.m. until the next regular meeting to be held on October 28, 2021.
Carried
Original signed by Bruce Killah - Chair
Original signed by Fern Dominelli - CAO (Secretary-Treasurer of the Corporation)
Original signed by Donna Stewart - Associate CAO
