Dr. Ian Arra, Medical Officer of Health for Grey Bruce Public Health, has confirmed that there will be no merger between the Grey Bruce Health Unit (GBHU) and Huron Perth Public Health (HPPH). This decision comes after years of discussions and proposals aimed at consolidating various health units to streamline public health administration in Ontario.
The initial merger proposal, which began in 2019, was part of a provincial government directive to reduce the number of health units in Ontario from 35 to 10. The plan included merging GBHU with the health units of Perth and Huron, creating a new regional entity. This new entity was supposed to start operating by April 2020 and would have shifted an additional five percent of funding responsibilities to municipalities. However, the COVID-19 pandemic halted the merger process.
In an update to Grey County Council on Thursday, June 27, 2024, Dr. Arra stated the board "explored the opportunity with the neighboring health units, and the decision was not to proceed with any merger on that front."
Dr. Arra highlighted that while the province is increasing funding by one percent annually for the next three years, the impact of inflation necessitates budget cuts. Despite these financial constraints, GBHU has managed to avoid group layoffs, unlike other health units.
In April 2024, Sue Carleton, Chair of the Grey Bruce Public Health Board, echoed Dr. Arra's sentiments. She emphasized that the board's decision was influenced by the lack of clear benefits and savings for local residents. Huron Perth Public Health also participated in discussions but was not actively seeking another merger, having recently undergone one during the pandemic.