Update:
SUDBURY -- It’s an issue municipalities across the country are trying to address, how to deal with the growing popularity of vaping.
The problem, as well as funding cuts from the provincial government, was discussed by Sudbury's board of health Thursday.
Amidst growing uncertainty over the board’s future, the 2020 budget came in with a near zero per cent increase.
Dr. Penny Sutcliffe is the medical officer of health and chief executive officer for Public Health Sudbury & Districts.
"It’s extremely difficult, but we’ve managed. And that has also been through hard decisions, as it relates to some reorganization for Public Health Sudbury & Districts and some reductions in staffing levels," said Sutcliffe.
With the provincial government now responsible for only 70 per cent, compared to 75 per cent of programs and services, it's helping to lessen the impact with a mitigation fund of more than half a million dollars.
René Lapierre is the Sudbury city councillor for ward 6.
"I think, if we look at the numbers overall, it's not that much more than what we’ve paid in the past. So, therefore, for the services that we’re delivering, for all the energy and work that’s been done here to keep the costs down to the most minimum that we can, I think that it's a very reasonable ask, and it’s really what the government said to expect," said Lapierre.
The local health board is also calling on the province to take a stronger position on vaping.
Cheryl Harvey is a public health nurse. She says more public education is needed on vaping.
"We know that vaping is increasingly popular amongst youth and smokers, and we know that more needs to be done to protect people against the harmful effects of vaping," said Harvey.
Harvey says more programs are needed and the board is including tobacco use in its fight against vaping, saying it can lead to further addictions.
"I’d say the message is to protect people. Protect people from using products that cause health harms, health risks," said Harvey.
While restructuring is an ongoing concern, the board was told operations will remain stable for next year. However, as the Ford government continues to contemplate amalgamations, details on the board's future remain unclear.
Original:
(Public Health Sudbury and Districts board meeting November 21, 2019. Dana Roberts/CTV Northern Ontario)
SUDBURY -- There are a few big ticket items on the agenda at the Public Health Sudbury and Districts monthly board meeting being held Thursday.
Vaping, which has been making headlines lately for increasing concerns over the dangers, is expected to be one of issues discussed.
The board will also be discussing the 2020 budget.
CTV News is at the meeting and will bring you key updates as they develop.
