Web Instructions - Site Map - YORK REGION - About Us - Annual Reports - 1999

General Information
Regional Council
Message of the Chair
Message of the CAO
1999 Accomplishments

Committee Information
Finance and Administrative Committee
Economic Development Committee
Planning Committee
Transportation and Works Committee
Solid Waste Strategy Committee
Health and Social Services Committee
Housing Committee

York Regional Police

Financial Information
1999 Financial Statements
Treasurer's Report
Five Year Review

Health and Social Services

Health and Social Services
Front Row (left to right)
Regional Councillor TonyWong
Regional Councillor 
Joyce Frustaglio (Chair)
Regional Chair Bill Fisch
Mayor Margaret Black (Vice Chair)

Rear Row (left to right)

Commissioner of Health Services and 
Medical Officer of Health Dr. K. Helena Jaczek
Mayor Robert A. Grossi
Mayor Tom Taylor
Regional Councillor Diane Humeniuk
Commissioner of Community Services and 
Housing Joann Simmons

Absent
Regional Councillor Janet Mabley

The Health and Social Services Committee supports policies to ensure accessible and equitable services and programs throughout the Region and develops plans to meet future needs for the physical health and social well-being of York Region's growing population.

A Year of Milestones

"A Year of Milestones" may be the best way of describing the accomplishments of the Health and Social Services Committee during 1999.

The Committee oversaw the operation of the Region's two largest departments, with a combined net budget of $103.4 million and 63 per cent of the entire regional workforce (excluding police).

The Committee also directed the transfer of two large service responsibilities from the provincial government: Emergency Medical Services and 1,000 new Ontario Works clients. The process developed by York Region to unite all land ambulance services was hailed as a model for others to follow. Also, the Region achieved 285 per cent of its targets for placing Ontario Works participants into community placement programs.

Overseeing that kind of program responsibility calls for clear policies and real leadership. The Health and Social Services Committee provided both. 

Responding to Health Needs

Senior In response to growth and an aging population, a new Long Term Care facility, the Maple Health Centre, and three Outreach/Day Programs were officially opened during 1999. 

In addition, Ministry of Health and Long Term Care approvals for the design and funding of a major redevelopment of the Newmarket Health Centre were secured. A proposal to the provincial government for 120 Long Term Care beds in the Town of Georgina was also supported by Committee and Council.

A major restructuring of the Vaccine Preventable Diseases Program took place so more school children will receive vaccinations. 

A Recognized Leader in Child Care

Baby When the Ontario government was looking for a province-wide child care database system, it turned to York Region and asked the Committee to lead the project. When the Province was looking for pilot sites to launch its Early Years Initiative, York Region was the only municipal government chosen.

York Region continues to be a leader in the delivery of child intervention programs. The Committee's Early Intervention Program for children with special needs won an award in 1999 from the Ontario Association for Infant Development. Also, over 6,000 babies were screened by Public Health officials through the Healthy Babies/Healthy Children program.

Addressing Key Issues

Through the work of this Committee, Council adopted a Homelessness Strategy in July 1999 that identified a number of short- and long-term priorities. Through an integrated Outreach Program, people at risk of becoming homeless received assistance through a mobile outreach van, more youth emergency beds and a drop-in centre for youth. A community-wide Task Force was created as part of a longer-term solution. 

The Costs of Pooling

The Region continued to send significant financial resources to the City of Toronto for social assistance programs as legislated by the Province of Ontario. In 1999, the Region sent $50.9 million to the City of Toronto for social services. Regional Council continued to lobby for an end to social pooling and more accountability as to how the funds are assessed and spent.

Honouring a Health Pioneer

In recognition of her contribution to the medical profession, the Committee named a wing at the Newmarket Health Centre after Dr. Margaret Arkinstall, the first female doctor at York County Hospital in Newmarket.

  
 
 
Back to top

If you are unable to access information on this page with your “screen reading software”, please call 905-830-4444 extension 1233 and someone will assist you. If you are directed to and answering machine, please leave a message and your call will be returned to you within 24 hours.