We are pleased to provide a fourth update on our work as Special Advisors to the Chief Medical Officer of Health, Dr. Kieran Moore, in respect of the Grey Bruce Health Unit. To ensure the continued delivery of critical public health services, on August 14, 2025, the Chief Medical Officer of Health temporarily assumed the powers of the Board of Health under s. 77.1 of the Health Protection and Promotion Act to support operations.

On January 23, 2026, the governance partners for the Grey Bruce Health Unit met to refine the previously endorsed skills matrix and discuss plans for putting it into practice. Over the next 5-6 weeks the Board’s appointing bodies will have this helpful tool available to assess potential appointees. No one member is expected to possess all sixteen competencies, but these competencies will be collectively present on a reconstituted Board of Health.

A skills matrix is a proven governance tool to support board excellence and organizational success. Applying this matrix is an important and positive step toward restoring local accountability and developing a comprehensive Action Plan to address findings from the independent assessment conducted under section 82 of the Health Protection and Promotion Act. We look forward to supporting this process and the foundation it provides for a stronger Board of Health and Health Unit for the people of Grey and Bruce Counties.

We would like to thank the Health Unit staff for their ongoing work, including their efforts to develop the next strategic plan for the Grey Bruce Health Unit. We continue to be impressed and heartened by the collaboration and commitment to the health of communities across both Grey and Bruce Counties.

Jim Pine and Dr Eileen de Villa
Special Advisors to the Chief Medical Officer of Health