The Health Protection and Promotion Act (HPPA) includes important information regarding the governance of public health units including the definition of a Board of Health, and the role and mandate of a Board of Health.

In municipal boards, the staff of the health unit operates under the municipal administrative structure. However, the Board of Health is comprised of municipal councilors and community representatives.  Funding is 70% provincial, 30% municipal with many programs 100% provincially funded.

Role

The role of the Board of Health is to:

• Appoint a full-time medical officer of health;
• Hire staff to carry out the functions of the board as outlined within the HPPA;
• Provide the municipality with a yearly budget notice;
• Have a strong commitment to and understanding  of public health programs;
• Attend board meetings, actively participate, and serve as officers;
• Serve in a volunteer capacity without regard for remuneration or profit;
• Identify and declare any conflicts of interest;
• Represent the health unit in the community; and
• Recognize that decisions made for the Board of Health are separate and apart from Municipal Council decisions.

The Board of Health is a separate entity working towards the health of the community.