Kingston/Sept. 24, 2025
The South East Health Unit (SEHU) Board of Health met today in Kingston for their regular monthly meeting. The agenda package is available online.
Statement on National Day for Truth and Reconciliation
Board Chair Jan O’Neill recognized the importance of National Day for Truth and Reconciliation with the following statement:
I want to take this opportunity to acknowledge National Day for Truth and Reconciliation, which is on September 30. As we honour the survivors of residential schools, their families, and communities, we acknowledge that public health has a vital role to play in addressing the lasting legacies of colonialism. South East Public Health is committed to reconciliation with Indigenous Peoples in what we now call Canada. National Day for Truth and Reconciliation is an opportunity to learn and acknowledge the history of residential schools, intergenerational trauma, and anti-Indigenous racism in the health-care system and beyond. It is also an opportunity to reflect on the work ahead of us as we make a commitment to integrating health equity efforts into our daily work. We recognize that this critical work requires meaningful action, reflection, and dialogue that is not limited to a single day, but sustained throughout the year.
Municipal levies
The Board approved a motion to harmonize municipal levies across the SEHU region, using a phased approach over the next five years to achieve a targeted funding ratio of 67.5 per cent provincial and 32.5 percent municipal funding. To offset the impact of the levy harmonization to municipalities in Leeds, Lanark & Grenville, Hastings and Prince Edward Counties, the provincial government has committed to providing approximately $4.3 million in merger funding over three years. The levy harmonization will allow all legacy agencies to sustain programs and services.
For a detailed analysis, please refer to the Board package.
Merger updates
A progress update on merger activities was provided to the Board. The activities underway include, but are not limited to:
- Work to launch the new Southeast Public Health (SEPH) brand, in phases, with priority materials unveiled on Sept. 29.
- Work to launch of SEPH’s minimally viable website on Sept. 29, which will provide the public with a branded landing page, including content that represents the new organization. The website will showcase the new brand identity, while redirecting the public to the legacy websites for region-specific content. Over the next few months, the website project team will be developing the full site with an aim to officially launch in March 2026.
- Work to select a single Electronic Medical Record (EMR) solution for SEHU.
- Drafting a harmonized policy and approach to client service standards.
- Developing harmonized medical directives.
- Harmonizing compensation (wages, benefits, and other terms and conditions of employment) for unionized employees following the Public Sector Labour Relations Transition Act. The next steps are written submissions and a consultation between all parties and the Ontario Labour Relations Board arbitrator in mid-October.
Governance Committee update
The Board passed a motion to hold all meetings at the Kingston office on Portsmouth Avenue going forward. The meetings will have an option for in-person or virtual attendance.
Meetings
The next meeting of the Board is Oct. 22, 2025 in Kingston.
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Media contact:
Maureen Hyland, Communications Specialist
hyland.maureen@hpeph.ca
