Role of Board of Health

The Board of Health (BOH) for Timiskaming Health Unit is established as an autonomous board under the Health Protection and Promotion Act (HPPA). The term “health unit” refers to the defined geographic area served by the Board of Health. The Timiskaming Health Unit is comprised of the district of Timiskaming and the amalgamated township of Temagami and is one of 36 health units in Ontario. The BOH consists of 11 members appointed by councils of local municipalities in the district and 2 public appointees.

The purpose of the HPPA which gives the BOH their mandate, is to provide for the organization and delivery of public health programs and services, the prevention and spread of disease and the protection of the health of the people of Ontario. The BOH is accountable for the delivery of local public health programs and services according to the Ontario Public Health Standards (OPHS). The BOH must exercise their responsibility as an employer, as holder of personal health information, as a corporate entity as well as their obligations under various other legislation such as the Municipal Act, Smoke Free Ontario Act, Day Nursery Act, Personal Health Information Protection Act and the Immunization of School Pupils Act.