In Ontario, the Health Protection and Promotion Act requires Boards of Health to provide or ensure provision of a minimum level of public health programs and services in specified areas.
The Mandatory Health Programs and Services Guidelines, issued by the Ministry of Health and Long-Term Care, set out minimum requirements for core programs and services targeted at disease prevention, health promotion and health protection. In Toronto, the Board of Health also ensures that Toronto Public Health delivers programs and services in response to local needs through the participation of Local Health Committees.
The Board of Health determines and sets public health policy and advises City Council on a broad range of health issues. Recommendations with city-wide or financial implications are forwarded to City Council for final approval. The Board of Health has 13 members - six Toronto City Councillors, six citizen representatives and an elected school board representative. The Medical Officer of Health for the City of Toronto, Dr. David McKeown, is the Executive Officer of the Board.
Members of the public are welcome to attend the monthly Board of Health meetings.
Last updated January 2010