Minutes of the Meeting - 01/12/2026

Special Board of Health Meeting for Northeastern Public Health

Held on January 12, 2026 at 4:00 p.m. – Microsoft Teams

1.0 Roll Call

Municipal Members:

• Michelle Boileau – City of Timmins
• Mark Wilson – Temiskaming Shores
• Andrew Marks – City of Timmins
• Carol Lowery – Rural South: Armstrong, Brethour, Casey, Cobalt, Coleman, Harley, Harris, Hilliard, Hudson, Kerns, Latchford, Temagami, Thornloe
• Paul Kelly – Rural Central South: Charlton & Dack, Chamberlain, Englehart, Evanturel, Gauthier, James, Larder Lake, McGarry, Matachewan
• Marc Dupuis – Rural North: Fauquier-Strickland, Hornepayne, Hearst, Mattice-Val Côté, Moonbeam, Opasatika, Val Rita-Harty
• Casey Owens – Kirkland Lake
• Peter Politis – Cochrane, Smooth Rock Falls
• Cindy Marks-Campbell – Provincial Appointee
• Todd Steis – Provincial Appointee
• David Lowe – Provincial Appointee
• Tory Delaurier – Rural Central North: Iroquois Falls, Black River Matheson
• Suzanne Perras – Provincial Appointee
• Curtis Arthur – Provincial Appointee
• Rock Whissell – City of Timmins

NEPH Executive:

• Dr. Lianne Catton – Medical Officer of Health/Chief Executive Officer
• Randy Winters – Director of Corporate and Protection Services

Recorder:

• Lori McCord – Executive Assistant

Regrets:

• Savion Nakogee – Far North: Moosonee, James Bay and Hudson Bay region
• Gary Fortin – Kapuskasing
• Jeff Laferriere – Temiskaming Shores
• Rosa Montico-Reimer Director of Finance

1.1 Call to Order

Chair Boileau called the meeting to order at 4:05 p.m.

1.2 Approval of Agenda

1.3 Declaration of Pecuniary Interest and General Nature

None declared.

2.0 Agenda Items for Information, Discussion, Decision

2.1 Resignation

On December 29th, after much reflection and discussion, Dr. Catton, Medical Officer of Health and Chief Executive Officer of the Northeastern Public Health issued a letter to the Board Chair and Board of Health advising of her resignation, due to personal reasons. Dr. Catton advised the Board that it has been both an honour and a privilege as the lead for public health for this region the past almost ten years with an incredible team of professionals across the region that support the work. Dr. Catton assured the Board that the leadership team in place is strong and committed to continuing the momentum of the merger and in fulfilling their duties of the board, to our communities and to strengthening public health. On behalf of the Board, Chair Boileau, thanked Dr. Catton for her dedication, and her leadership navigating the region through extraordinary times with grace.

2.2 MOH/CEO Recruitment Briefing Note Review

Dr. Catton provided an overview of the legislative requirements for the appointment of a Medical Officer of Health as outlined in the Health Protection and Promotion Act (HPPA). Dr. Catton advised that while the recruitment process is underway, there is an Acting MOH option. The title of Acting is used in two situations: short term coverage while an MOH is away or unable to perform their duties, or in vacancy when recruitment is underway. Once the Board appoints a MOH to fill the permanent position the individual remains an Acting MOH until formal Minister approval is received.

2.3 Timeline

An overview of the events to date, was provided including work underway and next steps. Dr. Catton's last day as the Medical Officer of Health and Chief Executive Officer is February 20, 2026.

2.4 Executive Committee Recruitment Plan Review

The Board Executive, comprised of the Board Chair Michelle Boileau, Vice Chair Mark Wilson, Finance Chair Andrew Marks and Finance Vice Chair Curtis Arthur met on December 29th and again on January 6th. Historically duties of the Executive Committee include the MOH/CEO evaluation and recruitment process for both THU and PHU.. In light of the timing of the announcement and to expedite the process, Randy had connected with several health units to obtain their recent approach to recruitment with three firms identified and recommended. The Executive concurred and recommended obtaining the services of an executive search firm to assist with the recruitment process. A letter requesting an expression of interest has been issued to these executive search firms and the posting will be shared through regular channels once ready. With the support of Randy Winters, Director of Corporate Services and Lori McCord, Board Secretary, it is proposed that the Selection Committee comprised of the Board Executive, work through the recruitment process with the recommendation returning to the Board for decision.

3.0 Closed Session

The Board went into a closed session at 4:28 p.m. as per the Municipal Act, 2001, c.25, s 239 (s) (b) personal matters about an identifiable individual, including Board employees.

The Board of Health rose from the closed session at 4:45 p.m.

4.0. Date of Next Meeting

Next meeting of the Board of Health to be held on January 29, 2026 at 4:00 p.m.

5.0 Adjournment