The South East Health Unit has provided updates on their financial picture and how they will be funded in the future and also their ongoing merger process.
They are included below, based on information provided after their regular monthly meeting was held on Wednesday.
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.
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.
(PAUL MARTIN)
