SUDBURY—Public Health Sudbury and District (PHSD) continues to receive provincial government funding that does not even match the cost of living as it continues to focus on maintaining, and even enhancing service levels to patients.

At a meeting last Thursday, the board of health for PHSD approved the cost shared 2026 operating budget for public health in the amount of $32,029,390. The budget, with the smallest growth in three years, maintains services through 2026, while making a robust $2,413,088 investment in technology to realize long-term efficiency and sustainability of services.

The overall budget increase is 3.2 percent with the municipal share increase set at 5.49 percent. 

“Over the last 10 years, we’ve seen an 18 percent decrease in funding when adjusted for inflation,” said Mark Signoretti, chair of the board of health for PHSD. “As public health strives to deliver on the growing needs of the community during this period of fiscal constraint, our top priority remains to support innovation and excellent service delivery in a sustainable and affordable way, so we can help people live healthier lives.”

“With growing pressures across many health issues, including the complex drug crisis and resurging infections, life expectancy has declined in Canada in recent years, a stark change from two centuries of almost continuous growth,” said Dr. Mustafa Hirji, acting medical officer of health and chief executive office for PHSD. “The need for public health’s work is clear. In the absence of adequate provincial funding, we need to leverage technology so that we can build the capacity to deliver for our community,” said Dr. Hirji.

With provincial funding shortfalls for several years, PHSD carefully assesses how best to use valuable resources to ensure the most beneficial impact is achieved. While major changes in programming have been avoided for 2026, staff needed to be reallocated to help address current needs. Without a change in fiscal context, provincial underfunding threatens the loss of programming in future years.

“Provincial funding remains at one percent, which is lower than the cost of living,” said Mr. Signoretti. “It makes it difficult to provide the same level of services while trying to maintain the same amount of municipal funding levies.”

“I can assure you as chair of the board and being on the finance committee we have looked at all other options,” said Mr. Signoretti. “And Dr. Hirji brought forward options and the board has taken funds out of our reserves as a one-time expenditure ($2.4 million) toward technology that will provide for new administration systems, roadways and structures that makes it easier for staff to be able to get information at their fingertips and cut down on administrative hours.”

Mr. Signoretti said all services going into 2026 provided by PHSD will be maintained and a focus of service to clients increased.

In 2026, public health will continue focusing on efforts that have the greatest positive impact on the public’s health. To make services sustainable for the long term, the agency will leverage technology by embracing artificial intelligence to work more efficiently, by digitizing data through an electronic medical record (EMR) and new administrative systems, and by embarking on a transformative information technology (IT) roadmap that will enable continuous innovation. The 2026 budget also prioritizes the recruitment and retention of skilled professionals, helping advance strategic priorities. Led by the board of health, PHSD will also strengthen advocacy to the province for adequate funding that protects health and prevents disease for everyone.

Mr. Signoretti said the board has taken $2.4 million from its reserves. “We still have a healthy reserve but if we don’t receive some movement on support from the province at least to match the rate of inflation, it is a slippery slope. We can’t keep going back to municipal taxpayers and increasing the amount of funds they provide, knowing and having to continue to point out to the province how important public health is in the community.”

“There are still lingering effects from the COVID-19 pandemic, and more pressures coming up,” stated Mr. Signoretti. “The province needs to realize that with healthier communities there are less hospital beds being utilized. We can prove the benefits of keeping members of the community healthy; it provides for savings and healthier communities long-term.” He said PHSD continues to look at efficiencies and is not leaving any stones unturned to make sure services are maintained and delivered. With further funding support from the province it would allow PHSD the opportunity to look at more efficiencies and services that would benefit the community and benefit health care overall and enhance services and service delivery. 

“We are hoping for more for advocacy of the province to realize how important public health is to the province (and by not increasing funding provided to health units it could affect services provided in the future),” said Mr. Signoretti.