Authority has been returned to the Grey Bruce Public Health board after the province seized control almost one year ago.
Ontario's Chief Medical Officer of Health, Dr. Kieran Moore, temporarily assumed the powers of the board on August 14, 2025, citing serious concerns of how it was being governed. The board members were relieved of their duties and special advisors Jim Pine and Dr. Eileen de Villa spent months determining the new appointee process.
The new board of health held its first meeting on Friday, after Dr. Moore rescinded a directive under section 77.1 of the Health Protection and Promotion Act, returning control to the board.
"Over the past year we have worked together with Counties of Grey and Bruce to strengthen their Board of Health towards long-term success. I want to thank everyone who contributed to this effort and remained focused on protecting and promoting the health of the people of Grey and Bruce," Moore said in a statement released to the media. "With a renewed Board now in place and the ongoing supports available, I am confident Grey Bruce Public Health is well positioned to meet current and future public health needs and continue delivering high-quality public health services."
At Friday's meeting, Ken Craig was appointed board chair and Shirley Keaveney was named vice-chair. Both served on the board in 2025 prior to the province taking control.
Other new board members include municipal members Dane Nielsen, Barbara Dobreen, and Scott Greig from Grey County; and Rod Anderson, and Steve Hammell from Bruce County.
The province has only appointed two of a possible six members of the public, David Nusko and Chad Richards. Richards also sat on the previous board of health.
Other agenda items for the special Friday afternoon meeting was determining who will serve on board committees. There was also an in-camera session to discuss appointing a new Medical Officer of Health, after Dr. Ian Arra stepped down in May.
"This is a significant and exciting milestone in the governance of Grey Bruce Public Health," said Acting Medical Officer of Health Dr. Brittany Graham. "I look forward to working with the new Board and our many partners towards protecting and promoting the health of our community. My sincere thanks goes to the dedicated staff at Grey Bruce Public Health and to our Provincial and County partners for their combined efforts and their support which have made this achievement possible."
The board is scheduled to meet once a month for the duration of the year, with next meeting coming on August 28.
Meetings of the Board of Health are not live-streamed, but will be posted to GBPH’s YouTube channel within days of the meeting taking place.
