Ottawa Board of Health

Minutes

Meeting #:

2

Date:

Monday, February 10, 2025

Time:

5:00 P.m. - 7:00 P.m.

Location:

Champlain Room, 110 Laurier Avenue West, and by electronic participation

Present:

• Chair Catherine Kitts, 
• Vice-Chair Tammy DeGiovanni, 
• Member Brent Bauer, 
• Member Jessica Bradley, 
• Member Marty Carr, 
• Member Sabrina Chung, 
• Member Nwanneka Ejiofor, 
• Member Glen Gower, 
• and Member Rawlson King 

Absent:

• Member Laura Dudas 

---

1.

Notices and meeting information for meeting participants and the public

Please see the attached document for public notices and meeting information, including: availability of simultaneous interpretation and accessibility accommodations; in camera meeting procedures; processes and timelines for written and oral submissions; personal information disclaimer for correspondents and public speakers; notices regarding minutes; and remote participation details.

2.

Roll Call

All members of the Board of Health were present at roll call, with the exception of Member Dudas. 

3.

Regrets

Member Dudas sent regrets in advance of the meeting. 

4.

Declarations of Interest

No declarations of interest were filed. 

5.

Confirmation of Minutes

• Moved by Member Rawlson King

  Confirmation of minutes of the meeting of January 13, 2025.

  Carried

6.

Communications 

Two communication items have been received (held on file with the Board of Health Secretary).

7.

Motion to Introduce Reports

• Moved by Member Rawlson King

  BE IT RESOLVED THAT the Chair of the Board of Health Verbal Report, the Medical Officer of Health Verbal Report, and the reports titled: Update on Neighborhood Health and Wellness Hubs: Progress and Path Forward, Emergency Management at Ottawa Public Health – Annual Update and Attendance at the alPHa Winter Symposium, be received and considered.

  Carried

7.1

Chair of the Board of Health Verbal Report

File ACS2024-OPH-BOH-0005 – City-wide

Chair Kitts welcomed members to the Board of Health meeting on February 10, 2025, including Interim Medical Officer of Health Dr. Trevor Arnason and new Ottawa Council member Jessica Bradley.

She highlighted several initiatives for 2025, such as the ongoing recruitment of a permanent Medical Officer of Health and upcoming engagement opportunities for Board members. Chair Kitts encouraged participation in the Indigenous Cultural Safety Program and the Blanket Exercise to enhance understanding of Indigenous Peoples' experiences.

She also mentioned her attendance at the alPHa Winter Symposium to discuss health equity, mental health, and public health funding. At the ROMA Conference, Chair Kitts had productive meetings with provincial leaders, emphasizing the need for fair public health funding and the interconnectedness of housing and health.

Lastly, she acknowledged Black History Month, stressing the importance of addressing health inequities impacting Black communities and promoting inclusive healthcare practices. The discussion on this item lasted approximately 6 minutes.

• Moved by Member Rawlson King

  That the Board of Health for the City of Ottawa Health Unit receive this verbal report for information.

  Carried

7.2

Medical Officer of Health Verbal Report

File ACS2024-OPH-MOH-0002 – City-wide

Dr. Trevor Arnason, the interim Medical Officer of Health for Ottawa, expressed gratitude to the Board and Ottawa Public Health team for their dedication. He emphasized the importance of strong relationships and collaboration with the community and the City of Ottawa as they move into 2025.

Dr. Arnason highlighted the success of routine childhood immunizations, with over 23,000 administered in 2024, and the efforts to ensure compliance with the Immunization of School Pupils Act. He noted the increase in respiratory illnesses, including COVID-19, influenza, and RSV, and the ongoing vaccination efforts.

Dr. Arnason also acknowledged Black History Month, emphasizing Ottawa Public Health's commitment to addressing health inequities impacting Black communities through partnerships and targeted programs. Looking ahead, he stressed the importance of reducing health disparities and promoting equity and justice in Ottawa.

Discussion on this item lasted approximately 10 minutes. 

• Moved by Member Rawlson King

  That the Board of Health for the City of Ottawa Health Unit receive this verbal report for information.

  Carried

7.3

Update on Neighborhood Health and Wellness Hubs: Progress and Path Forward

File ACS2025-OPH-HED-0001 - City Wide

Dr. Trevor Arnason, the interim Medical Officer of Health, presented an overview of the report titled "Update on Neighborhood Health and Wellness Hubs: Progress and Path Forward."

The report detailed the advancements made in establishing and operating these hubs, which aim to provide accessible health services and support to various communities in Ottawa.

Following the presentation, Board Members engaged in a 45-minute discussion, asking questions and sharing insights on the report's findings and future directions. The discussion highlighted the importance of these hubs in improving community health and the need for continued collaboration and investment to ensure their success.

• Moved by Member Rawlson King

  That the Ottawa Board of Health receive this report for information on Ottawa Public Health’s continuing efforts to reduce barriers to access to health services and optimize health outcomes for all Ottawa residents. 

  Received

7.4

Emergency Management at Ottawa Public Health – Annual Update

File ACS2025-OPH-EHI-0001 - City-wide

• Moved by Member Rawlson King

  That the Board of Health for the City of Ottawa Health Unit receive this report for information.

  Carried

7.5

Attendance at the Association of Local Public Health Agencies’ (alPHa) Winter Symposium

File ACS2025-OPH-BOH-0006 - City-wide

• Moved by Member Rawlson King

  That the Board of Health for the City of Ottawa Health Unit approve the participation of Chair Kitts, Vice-Chair DeGiovanni and Member Bauer at the Association of Local Public Health Agencies’ (alPHa) Winter Symposium, to be held February 12-14, 2025. 

  Carried

8.

In Camera Items*

None.

9.

Motion to Adopt Reports

• Moved by Member Rawlson King

  BE IT RESOLVED THAT the Chair of the Board of Health Verbal Report, the Medical Officer of Health Verbal Report, and the reports titled: Update on Neighborhood Health and Wellness Hubs: Progress and Path Forward, Emergency Management at Ottawa Public Health – Annual Update and Attendance at the alPHa Winter Symposium, be received and adopted. 

  Carried

10.

Motions Requiring Suspension of the Rules of Procedure

None. 

11.

Notices of Motions (For Consideration at Subsequent Meeting)

None. 

12.

Confirmation By-law

• Moved by Member Rawlson King

  BE IT RESOLVED THAT Confirmation By-law no. 2025-2, a by-law of the Board of Health for the City of Ottawa Health Unit to confirm the proceedings of the Ottawa Board of Health at its meeting of February 10, 2025, be read and passed.

  Carried

13.

Inquiries

None. 

14.

Adjournment

The meeting adjourned at 5:56pm. 

15.

Next Meeting

Monday, April 14, 2025 - 5:00 PM