October 2019 Board Meeting - Minutes

Meeting Document Type
Minutes

Board Members Present:

Gary McNamara, John Scott, Tracey Bailey, Deborah Kane (4:15 pm), Judy Lund, Joe Bachetti (4:10pm), Larry Snively, Rino Bortolin, Fabio Costante, Gary Kaschak, Ed Sleiman

Board Member Regrets:

N/A

Administration Present:

Theresa Marentette, Dr. Wajid Ahmed, Lorie Gregg, Nicole Dupuis, Kristy McBeth, Dan Sibley, Elspeth Troy

QUORUM:  Confirmed

  1. Call to Order
    Board Chair, Gary McNamara, called the meeting to order at 4:02 pm
  2. Agenda Approval
    Moved by: Rino Bortolin
    Seconded by: Tracey Bailey
    That the agenda be approved.
    CARRIED
  3. Announcement of Conflicts of Interest
    None.
  4. Presentation: Vaping (Dr. W. Ahmed)
    Dr. W. Ahmed began by explaining that an electronic cigarette (e-cigarette) is a device whose function is to vaporize and deliver a chemical mixture typically composed of nicotine, propylene glycol and other chemicals into the lungs. Upon inhalation, the heater known as the atomizer vaporizes the nicotine solution within the e-cigarette, turning it to vapour. There is still a lack of scientific data to support the alleged benefits of vaping. Additionally, there are many regulatory concerns including who is making the vaping products, what the ingredients in the product are and where it can be purchased. Potential health risks remain undetermined, as there are no studies on the results of long-term inhalation of propylene glycol. Few studies have assessed e-cigarettes as a cessation aid or harm reduction tool. There are many public health concerns including vaping related severe acute lung disease.
    In Windsor, WECHU’s tobacco enforcement officers have been doing proactive inspections to ensure compliance with municipal by-laws and the provincial Smoke Free Ontario Act, 2017. There have been several charges issued to both students and vaping product vendors. WECHU staff is also addressing vaping among youth in the area.

    G. McNamara asked Dr. W. Ahmed for an update regarding a recent press release from WECHU regarding a mosquito pool testing positive for Eastern Equine Encephalitis (EEE) virus within Windsor and Essex County.
    Dr. W. Ahmed explained that WECHU has a mosquito control program that runs through the summer months to look for the presence of certain diseases.
    Upon routine testing of the mosquito pools, the presence of EEE virus was identified. The WECHU press release reinforced messaging around protection from bites and removing standing water on properties.
    Moved by: Joe Bachetti
    Seconded by: Fabio Costante
    To accept the presentation as received
    CARRIED

  5. Approval of Minutes
    1. Regular Board Meeting: September 19, 2019
      Moved by: Judy Lund
      Seconded by: Rino Bortolin
      That the minutes be approved.
      CARRIED
  6. Consent Agenda
    1. INFORMATION REPORTS
      The following information reports were presented to the Board.
      1. ProsperUs (T. Marentette)
        Brought to the Board for information.
      2. Media Recap
        Brought to the Board for information.

      Moved by: Ed Sleiman
      Seconded by: Fabio Costante
      That the Information Reports be received.
      CARRIED

    2. RECOMMENDATION/RESOLUTION REPORTS
      1. Vaping (N. Dupuis)
        N. Dupuis explained that the proposed motion is to support the ban of the promotion of vaping products in retail settings and online and that the government should restrict vaping flavours except for tobacco. All regulations related to protecting young people from tobacco products should be applied to vaping.
        View the Harms of Vaping and Next Steps for Regulation Resolution report.

      Moved by: Rino Bortolin
      Seconded by: Joe Bachetti
      That the Recommendation/Resolution Report be supported and approved.
      CARRIED

  7. Business Arising
    1. Additional SIS Application – New Addition to Agenda
      R. Bortolin inquired whether the board would take a position on another SIS application going forward in the community. A local group is applying under an emergency need but this application still requires an endorsement by the Health Unit. He inquired as to what would happen if Health Canada reached out specifically to the Health Unit for support. Dr. W. Ahmed advised that the Health Unit is currently working on an SIS application that is carefully looking at risks and community concerns. This application will look to protect both those choosing to inject and the community. G. McNamara stated that as the community is looking to establish the first SIS, it is critical to ensure it is done correctly. He confirmed that should Health Canada reach out for endorsement, it would be brought to the Board.
  8. Board Correspondence – Circulated
  9. New Business
    1. ENWIN Utilities – Fluoride Update (T. Marentette)
      After requesting further information and timelines from Enwin regarding the reintroduction of fluoride, they provided a letter stating the water in Windsor should be fluoridated by late in the third quarter of 2020.
      Moved by: Fabio Costante
      Seconded by: Judy Lund
      That the above information be received.
      CARRIED
  10. Other Board of Health Resolutions/Letters
    1. Simcoe-Muskoka District Public Health – For Support – Letter to Hon. Ginette Petitpas Taylor and Hon. Christine Elliott – Vaping
    2. Kingston, Frontenac and Lennox & Addington Public Health – For Support – Letter to Hon. Christine Elliott – Vaping

    Moved by: Joe Bachetti
    Seconded by: Rino Bortolin
    That the above correspondence be supported as noted.
    CARRIED

  11. Committee of the Whole (CLOSED SESSION, in accordance with Section 239 of the Municipal Act)
    The Board moved into Committee of the Whole at 4:44 pm
    The Board moved out of Committee of the Whole at 5:38 pm
  12. Next Meeting: At the Call of the Chair, or November 21, 2019 in Essex, Ontario
  13. Adjournment
    Moved by: Rino Bortolin
    Seconded by: Larry Snively
    That the meeting be adjourned
    CARRIED
    The meeting adjourned at 5:43 pm.

RECORDING SECRETARY:

SUBMITTED BY:

APPROVED BY:

Related Content
Board Meetings
Board of Health