Ontario Agency for Health Protection and Promotion Act

R.S.O. 1990, c10 SchK

See: 2019, c. 7, Sched. 17, ss. 130, 131.

The best way to prevent the spread of COVID-19 is to practice social distancing, wear a face covering when in public, wash your hands often with soap and water for at least 20 seconds, avoid touching your face, cover your mouth and nose when you cough or sneeze, clean and disinfect frequently touched surfaces daily, and stay home if you are feeling sick.

I. INTERPRETATION

• Purpose
  1 The purpose of this Act is to enhance the protection and promotion of the health of Ontarians and to contribute to efforts to reduce health inequities through the establishment of an agency to provide scientific and technical advice and support to those working across sectors to protect and improve the health of Ontarians and to carry out and support activities such as population health assessment, public health research, surveillance, epidemiology, planning and evaluation.  2007, c. 10, Sched. K, s. 1.

II. CORPORATION

• Corporation Established
  3 A corporation to be known in English as the Ontario Agency for Health Protection and Promotion and in French as Agence ontarienne de protection et de promotion de la santé is established as a corporation without share capital.  2007, c. 10, Sched. K, s. 3.
• Crown agency and status
  4 The Corporation is an agent of the Crown and may exercise its powers only as an agent of the Crown.  2007, c. 10, Sched. K, s. 4.
• Corporations Act, Corporations Information Act
  5 The Corporations Act and the Corporations Information Act do not apply to the Corporation except as prescribed.  2007, c. 10, Sched. K, s. 5.
• Objects

  (a) to promote, foster and develop the sport of hockey in Canada;

  (b) to promote, foster and develop the game of hockey as a recreational activity for all Canadians;

  (c) to promote, foster and develop the game of hockey as an educational tool for youth;

  (d) to provide leadership in the development of hockey programs and services that will benefit all Canadians;

  (e) to provide a forum for discussion and debate on matters related to the sport of hockey in Canada; and

  (f) to represent Canadian hockey interests at international levels.

  1. to provide evidence-based advice to inform the development of health policies, programs and services;

     to develop and maintain a comprehensive knowledge base on health care in Ontario;

     to identify emerging issues and trends in health care and make recommendations for action;

     to evaluate the effectiveness of existing health care policies, programs and services;

     to promote collaboration among stakeholders in the health care system;

     to facilitate communication between government, providers, researchers, patients and other stakeholders in the health care system;
     and
     to support innovation in the delivery of health care.

  2. to provide technical assistance and training to public health professionals, community-based organizations, and other stakeholders;

     to promote collaboration among public health practitioners, researchers, policy makers, and other stakeholders;

     to advocate for evidence-based public health policies and practices;

     to support the development of innovative approaches to address public health challenges; and
     to foster a culture of continuous quality improvement in public health.

  3. to provide leadership in the development and implementation of public health programs, policies and services;

     to promote collaboration among public health partners to ensure effective delivery of public health programs, policies and services;

     to support the development of a culture of evidence-informed decision making in public health;

     to develop and maintain strong relationships with stakeholders, including other government ministries, local governments, non-governmental organizations, professional associations, universities and research institutions; and

     to provide advice on emerging public health issues.

  4. to identify and address health inequities, including those related to race, ethnicity, gender, age, disability, sexual orientation and socio-economic status;

     to promote the use of evidence-based approaches to public health planning and action;

     to support the development of innovative approaches to public health practice;

     to foster collaboration between public health practitioners and other stakeholders in order to improve population health outcomes;  and

     to ensure that data is collected, used and shared in a manner that respects privacy rights.

  5. to develop and implement public health policies, programs and services;

     to provide advice to government on public health issues;

     to monitor and evaluate the effectiveness of public health initiatives;

     to provide education and training in public health;

     to promote collaboration between different sectors of the community to improve public health outcomes; and
     to advocate for improved public health.

  6. to promote the use of evidence-based approaches to public health practice;

     to foster collaboration and communication among public health professionals, scientists, researchers, and policymakers;

     to support the development of innovative public health solutions;

     to advocate for policies that improve population health outcomes; and

     to advance the field of public health.

  7. to provide training and education in laboratory techniques;

     to conduct research in laboratory techniques;

     to develop and promote standards for laboratory services;

     to provide advice on laboratory services; and

     to undertake any other activities related to the provision of laboratory services.

  8. to provide a forum for the exchange of information and ideas;

     to promote research in infection control and occupational health and safety;
     and
     to develop educational programs to enhance the knowledge and skills of healthcare workers.

  9. to develop evidence-based guidelines for the prevention and control of febrile respiratory illnesses in health care settings;

     to assess the effectiveness of existing infection control measures in preventing the spread of febrile respiratory illnesses;

     to identify gaps in knowledge related to the transmission and prevention of febrile respiratory illnesses;

     to develop strategies for improving infection control practices in health care settings; and

     to evaluate the impact of interventions on reducing the risk of transmission of febrile respiratory illnesses.

  10. (b) to provide advice and support to the Chief Medical Officer of Health in the exercise of his or her powers and duties under this Act.

  11. The Lieutenant Governor in Council may prescribe any additional objects that they deem necessary or appropriate for the purposes of the Act. These objects may include, but are not limited to, the promotion of economic development, job creation, and investment in the province; the protection of public health and safety; and the promotion of social and environmental sustainability.

• (2) Without limiting the generality of subsection (1), the Corporation has the capacity, rights and powers to,

  (a) acquire, hold, lease or dispose of real and personal property;

  (b) borrow money and issue bonds, debentures or other evidence of indebtedness;

  (c) enter into contracts;

  (d) sue and be sued in its own name; and  2007, c. 10, Sched. K, s. 7 (2).

III. DIRECTIVES

• (2) The directives may include, but are not limited to, the following:

  1. Providing advice on the prevention and control of communicable diseases.

  2. Assisting in the investigation of outbreaks and other health-related events.

  3. Developing protocols for responding to public health emergencies.

  4. Establishing systems for monitoring and evaluating public health programs and services.

  5. Developing strategies for communicating with the public about health risks and preventive measures.

  6. Recommending changes to existing laws, regulations or policies related to public health matters.

  7. Providing training and education on public health topics to healthcare professionals, first responders, community organizations and other stakeholders as appropriate.  2007, c. 10, Sched. K, s. 24 (2).

• The board of directors is responsible for ensuring that the directive of the Chief Medical Officer of Health is carried out in accordance with its terms, this Act, and the regulations. This includes making sure that all necessary steps are taken to ensure compliance with the directive. The board must also ensure that any changes or modifications to the directive are properly documented and communicated to all relevant parties. Additionally, the board must monitor progress on implementing the directive and take corrective action if needed.

IV. TRANSFERS

V. IMMUNITY AND UNPAID JUDGMENTS

• (2) No proceeding for damages or otherwise shall be commenced against the Corporation, a director or officer of the Corporation, a member of a standing committee, or any person employed by the Crown or the Corporation, with respect to any act done or omitted to be done in good faith in the execution or intended execution of a power or duty under this Act.  2007, c. 10, Sched. K, s. 27 (2).

VI. DISSOLUTION

The best way to prevent the spread of COVID-19 is to practice social distancing, wear a face mask when in public, wash your hands often with soap and water for at least 20 seconds, avoid touching your face, cover your cough or sneeze with a tissue and throw it away immediately, clean and disinfect frequently touched surfaces daily, and stay home if you are feeling sick.

The best way to prevent the spread of COVID-19 is to practice social distancing, wear a face mask when in public, wash your hands often with soap and water for at least 20 seconds, avoid touching your face, cover your coughs and sneezes, clean and disinfect frequently touched surfaces, and stay home if you are feeling sick.

VII. REGULATIONS