Message from the Board Chair

We have all become accustomed to the inevitability of change and 1999 was no exception for the Health Unit. We were preparing for 100% municipal partner funding of downloaded and mandated services, when the funding arrangement changed again to 50/50 Provincial/Municipal.

This arrangement is certainly more equitable since the services we provide are health related. We began an advertising blitz of the community, its municipal leaders and our members of provincial and federal governments, in order that they could become more familiar with the critical services that we provide to the public sector in health care awareness, prevention and containment. We continue to promote the organization and recognize its achievements through the widely circulated Board of Health Report. Having been a board member for seven years and chairman for four years, I have gained great insight into the value that should be placed on this organization from our stakeholders. We have been successful in every phase of the changes that have come before us. It is only through the demonstrated dedication of each of you that we will be successful in the future.

The Health Unit Board is completely supportive of this organization and I hope that through our actions we have earned your trust. The year 2000 will bring new challenges to the table. I feel confident that our long term planning will pay off in large dividends to create our future success. My personal thanks are extended to the Health Unit staff for the support given to the Board and to me.