County Councillors Step Down from Public Health Board Over Labour Dispute Concerns
Date: Sep 26, 2023
Two Prince Edward County councillors have announced their resignations from the Hastings Prince Edward Public Health (HPEPH) Board of Health, citing concerns over how ongoing labour strikes are being handled.
Councillors John Hirsch and Kate MacNaughton made the announcement during a county council meeting on Tuesday night, confirming they would be stepping away from the board in protest.
“I can no longer support the board’s approach to the ongoing strikes involving ONA nurses and CUPE employees,” Hirsch said. “For that reason, I have submitted my resignation effective immediately.”
HPEPH is governed by an independent board of health, made up of elected officials from Belleville, Quinte West, Hastings County, and Prince Edward County, along with provincially appointed representatives.
Hirsch said the strikes have left public health services largely shut down, noting that approximately 62 non-nursing staff and 50 nurses remain off the job, impacting the delivery of essential health programs.
“This situation has negatively affected residents who are unable to access vital public health services,” Hirsch said. “A more open and transparent approach is urgently needed to resolve these labour disputes and bring staff back to work—staff who are essential to protecting public health.”
While stating that he does not typically step away from responsibilities, Hirsch said he felt resignation was the only way to draw attention to the seriousness of the issue. He urged the board to return to meaningful negotiations as soon as possible.
Councillor Kate MacNaughton, who attended the meeting virtually, echoed Hirsch’s concerns and confirmed she would also resign.
“I had hoped to remain on the board to advocate for fair and transparent governance,” she said. “However, I no longer believe my presence will result in positive change. With regret, I am announcing my intention to resign as well.”
As the labour action continues, HPEPH offices in Picton, Quinte West, and Bancroft remain closed, while the Belleville location is operating on a limited basis, offering select services by appointment or pickup only.
CUPE frontline public health workers currently on strike include public health inspectors, dental professionals, dietitians, health promoters, IT staff, program assistants, communications staff, enforcement officers, and maintenance personnel, all of whom play key roles in delivering public health programs such as flu vaccination clinics, rabies prevention, and healthy child development initiatives.
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