Supplied by City of Sault Ste. Marie…
(Sault Ste. Marie, ON)Today, Mayor Christian Provenzano issued the following statement in response to the Ministry of Health’s release of the report by provincial assessor Graham Scott on the finances and governance of Algoma Public Health:
“I would like to thank Minister Hoskins for travelling to Sault Ste. Marie to address the findings of the investigation. I also thank Graham Scott for his very thorough investigation and the resulting report.
“In regards to the recommendations contained in the report, I want to state publically and unequivocally that as Mayor of Sault Ste. Marie, I am resolutely opposed to any suggestion of merging or subordinating APH with another health unit. I have communicated this view previously to both Minister Hoskins and Minister Orazietti.
“While I understand the gravity of the report’s findings, I am firm in my opinion that merging or amalgamating APH with another body would represent a disproportionate response to the situation. The problems encountered at APH are serious but they are solvable. Steps have already been taken to address some of them and further steps will be taken in the future.
“The vast majority of employees at APH carry out their work with diligence and professionalism. I recognize that they have been through an exceedingly difficult period. I want the employees to know that the report does not reflect on them and their efforts to serve the public.
“Moving forward, it is imperative that Algoma Public Health continue with the work of rebuilding staff morale and with rebuilding public confidence in the organization in the communities that it serves. To the extent that the City of Sault Ste. Marie is able to assist with these efforts, we will be sure to do so.”