2000 Summer

_ _ .....................

mOntarzoIBranch News

The WalkertonCrisis

The communityof Walkerton in theBruce GreyOwen Sound Area experienced an outbreak ofillness linkedto the municipalwatersupply. OnSunday May 21, 2000 the Medical Officer ofHealth, Dr. Murray McQuigge, issued a "Boilwaterorder" to the residentsof Walkerton. Thatboil water order is still in effect.

As of June 30, 2000, the Public Health Unitinterviewed 1,418 ill individuals related to theevent.E.coli 0157:H7has been implicatedwith192 confirmed cases. Hemolytic UremicSyndrome (HUS), a serious complication ofE.coli 0157:H7,has resulted in 26 cases. Therearealso 115confirmed cases ofcampylobacter.Other enteric illness causingorganisms maybe

p' involved and are still under investigation.Details on page 6.

M

Branch News ciphi mmOntario Branch Executive

Sonia Singh President - Mike MinorYork Region HealthServices ThniskamingHealthUnit

(905) 895-4511 Ext. 4108 (705) 567-9355, Fax: (705) 567-5476Fax: (905) 895-3166

e-mail:sonia.singh@region.york.on.ca Past President -Jim Reffle' Middlesex-LondonHealthUnit

Julie Davis (5 !9) 663-5317 ext.2424, Fax:(519) 663-9581HaltonRegional HealthUnit e-mail:jim.reffle@mlhu.on.ca

(905) 825-6000 Ext.7678Fax: (905) 825-8797 Secretary - Treasurer

e-mail: davisj@region.halton.on.ca Judy deGrosboisPerthDistrictHealthUnit

John Sirilas (5 l 9) 271-7600 ext.249, Fax: (519) 271-2195York Region Health Services e-mail: degrosbois@pdhu.on.ca

(905) 895-4511 Ext. 4547Fax: (905) 895-3166 Councillors 1999-2000

e-mail: john.sirilas@region.york.on.ca Communicable Diseases - Bev Middleton

Q Published quarterly by the Canadian Institute of Public Bruce-Grey-Owen Sound HealthUnitHealth Inspectors - Ontario Branch Incorporated. (519) 376-9420,Fax: (519) 376-0980

Subscriptions ffor non-members available for $12.00 per e-maili b.middleton@bmts.comyear.

Mailing address: Communications - Sonia SinghC/O York Region Health Services York Region Health Services Department

Attention: Sonia Singh (905) 895-4511 ext, 4108, Fax: (905) 895-3166

17250 Yonge St. e-mail: smsingh@idirect.com

Newmarket, OntarioLaY6Z_ Food Safety - Mike Duncan

Lambton Health Unit

Submissions Criteria: (519) 38328331ext. 746, Fax: (519) 383-7092

Topics must be relevant to the Public Health Inspection Field. e-mail: migueld@ebtech.net• Articles must be submitted either on computer disk or bye-mail in MSWord (written articles will not be accepted)

• Articles submitted should be approximately 150 words (Feature HealthPromotion& ProfesssionalDevelopmentArticles a maximum of 500 words). Suzalllle ShawFeature Articles will be determined by the OBN Editori',dTeam, TorontoPublic Health Department - Eastern Office q

• Graphics or pictures submitted must be included with the submissionand be camera-readywith a resolutionof 150- 300 dpi. (416) 396-4254, Fax: (416) 396-5150Articles nmst be submitted by the deadlinesgiven on the Ontario e-mail: sshaw1@city.toronto.on.caBranch web site or the OBN.

Healthy Environments - Ron HartnettArticle Submission Deadlines: RenffewCounty& DistrictHealthUnit

Summer Issue - May 1, 2000 (613) 432-5853, Fax: (613) 432-3382

Fall Issue - August I, 2000 e-mail: hartnett@sympatico.caWinter Issue - November 1, 2000

Spring Issue - February 1, 2001 Membership Services - Nancy HofferMiddlesex-London Health Unit

The comments and opinions expressed inthe Ontario BranchNews are those (519) 663-5317 ext. 2303, Fax: (519) 663-958'1of the author and do not necessarily reflect the opinion of the Editors, e-mail:nancy.hoffer@mlhu.on.caPublisher, the Canadian Institute of Public Health Inspectors or any of itsofficers. Wereserve the right to edit material submitted, solicited or Partnership Liaison - Andre Blasutigunsolicited for purposes of brevity, clarity and grammatical accuracy. Niagara Regional Health UnitMaterial from this publicationmay only be reproduced with the permission (905) 688-3762, Fax: (905) 641-4994of the Editors. Publications Mail Registration No. 0463981 Held atNewmarket, Ontario. e-mail: ablasutig@idirect.com

mm LBranchNews

T i "he Editorial Team would like to thankeveryone who called, sent e-mails andwrote to us with their comments about the Spring OBN issue. We encourage yourcomments (positive or negative) and have decided to add a new section to the OBNcalled "P.H.! Perspectives". This feature will provide inspectors in Ontariowith anoutlet to voice their opinion about various public health issues.

The year 2000 has brought public health issues to the forefront of public interest.From "dirty dining" to safe water supplies, public health is on everyone's mind.

The OBN Editorial team extends sympathies to the families of Walkertonwho havelost loved ones. To the Bruce Grey-OwenSound Health Unit, our thoughts are andhave been withyou. Many of us could not imagine the tireless days and nights thatyou have endured. We would like to commend all those inspectors who took timeout of their busy schedules to lend a hand. The spirit of co-operation exhibited in

• _ Walkerton, is not only an inspiration, but compels us toward our common goal, the

protection of public health. O

With fall quickly approaching, many of you may consider running for a position on

the CIPHI Executive. The Ontario Branch is now taking nominations for BranchExecutive councillors. Becoming an executivemember willgiveyou theopportunityto network with other inspectorsacrossOntario,learn newskills and becomeinvolved

• _ with issues that interest you.

If being a councillor is not your ambition, perhaps you would consider becoming acontributing member of the OBN Editorial Team.

_ The OBN Editorial Team is striving to provide members with an interactive,interestingbranch publication. We truly do welcome ideas on how we can improvethe OBN.

We also encourage members to participate in the production of the OBN by submittingarticles.

We appreciate your interest in the OBN. We hope to continue delivering a publicationthat provides relevant public health information and resources, as well as, keepmembers informed of Branch news and views.

Sincerely,

, I_www'cip hi'°n'ca [

Branch .Newsl mmmMessage from the President

I am extremely proud to report that the Ontario Branch has accomplished our goaland returned toa fiscally responsible and fiscally accountable organization. I simply continued the process whichwas started by my immediate predecessor and 1998 executive council. It has been a privilege andhonour to have been a member of the 1999 and 2000 Ontario Branch Executives and to have been

a part of this ongoing process.

For National to be strong, I believe it is important that Ontario increases membership. In 1998Ontario membership had dropped to 289, in 1999 we increased to 355 and at the time of thisreport membership for 2000 is anticipated to exceed 400. Our goal for 2000 is585 memberswhich would represent 90% of the 650 working PHIs listed in the 1999 ()ntario Branch Directoryfor Ontario Health Units.

Our projects currently being undertaken by the Branch are:

1. C.D. Reservoir: The Pathogens Among Us; May 11 and 12, 2000.Thi_conference will have been complete prior to this publication.

2. Buildiia_ Bridges ....Strengthening Our Profession; September 24 - 28, 2000.

OntarioBranch 61stAnnual Educational Conference.

3. The Food Safety Committee has finalized negotiations to produce and distribute 25,000 fullcolour 18" × 24" HACCP food posters.

4. Publication and distribution of The Ontario Branch News (Issue 1 Spring 2000, 32 pages, isnow out).

5. The C.I.P.H.I. Ontario Branch website www.ciphi.on.ca q

I try to be a man of few words and therefore simply wish to thank everyone who has worked sofiard on re-building our Branch.

Respectfully submitted,

Michael Minor, PresidentC.I.P.H.I. (Ontario Branch ) Ltd.

m

I [Branch NewsASPHIO "

The Association 0_fSupervxs0rs ofPublic Health Inspectors of Ontario(Incorporated 1982).

I CORNERAs the incoming President of ASPHIO, this is my first rendition of"ASPHIO Comer" for submissionto the Ontario Branch News. During the past 4 years, I have had the privilege of Serving themembers of CIPHI as President and Past-President ofthe Ontario Branch. As a member of ASPHIO

for the last 14 years, I have certainly seen the ebb and flow of the relationship between our twoorganizations. I've been accused of being the eternal optimist, but I see real value in our twoorganizations working together on many issues and recognize that there may be times when CIPHIshould take the lead and when ASPHIO should take the lead.

While those circumstances may be debatable and negotiable, we have to consider the voluntarynature of those who are committed to serving on the various committees and projects on behalf ofASPHIO and the Ontario Branch. At the provincial ASPHIO meetings in Toronto in May, OntarioBranchPresident Mike Minor, expressed in his own inimitable way, that the coordination of our

respective services was not a high priority with him. Rightly so, since the main focus of his tenureas President has been to build on the work that the previous Executive began, namely rebuilding Tmembership services and financial accountability and stability. While these have been PresidentMinor's priorities, the Executive has been involved in looking at how to best coordinate limitedvoluntary resources between our respective organizations. As new ASPHIO President, I willcontinue to work with this executive in their final months and anticipate continuing a healthy liaison

• with the new executive that will form at the September 2000 Ontario Branch AGM in Toronto.

ASPHIO and the Ontario Branch have no shortage of issues to continue working on, including food

safety, restaurant inspection grading systems, proactive disclosure policies, and the Ontario FoodSafety System Federal/Provincial/Municipal Working Agreement on Food Safety Regulatory rolesand responsibilities.

Added to this and other issues will no doubt include the issue of drinking water supply safety, as anaftermath tothe Walkerton outbreak. As President ofASPHIO, I have sent a letter to Dr. Murray

McQuigge and his staff. I trust that the comments made in the letter have been echoed by othersduring this difficult time. I encourage everyone to provide your support and encouragement to thestaff at Bruce-Grey Owen Sound Health Unit.

Respectfully submitted,

James Reffie, BA, MPA, CPHI(C)ASPHIO PresidentC/o Middlesex-London Health Unit

London, Ontario

]_www.ciphi.on.ca [

Branch News l imAcRossriteOR ER m

The Robson County Department of Public HealthMr. Hugh Cole, Directorof EnvironmentalHealthDivision, forthe Robson CountyDepartmentofPublic Health in the stateof North Carolinasubmittedthe followingto the OBN

InNorth Carolina,individualcountieshireElavironmentalHealthSpecialistsasdeputyagentsofthestateto enforcestateandlocalrules.They musthavea four-yeardegreewiththirtyhoursof physical/biological science to qualifyfor emp!oyment.

EnvironmentalHealth Specialists areregistered by North Carolina State Board of SanitarianExaminersand acquire15 hoursof continuingeducationeachyear. Stateof PracticeCommitteesponsorseducationalworkshopsthroughoutthe yearon variousenviromnentalhealthissues.

The stateprogramsdeliveredinclude:foodand lodginginspection,on-sitewastewater,leadabatement,public•swimmingpool inspections,solid andhazardouswaste, indoor air quality, daycareinspection,water quality, tattoo parlour inspections, shellfish sanitation,milk sanitation and plan review. Inaddition RobsonCountyDepartmentof Public Healthenforces local rules and regulations pertaining

to: food handling education, seafood market inspection,earand bodypiercing inspection and mobile

home park inspection.

Emergencypreparedness is headed up on a state level and environmentalhealth staffsare part of the

local emergency preparedness team in their respective counties.

The Walkerton Crisis Continued...

On FridayMay 19ththe Bruce-Grey-OwenSound PublicHealth Unit (BGOSHU) was notifiedoftwocases of bloody diarrheareferredfromthe Walkert0nHospitalto the OwenSoundHospital.The Walkert0nPublic Utilities Company(PUC)was contactedandaskedif the Walkertonwatersystemwas safe and secure. They saidthat it was.

On SaturdayMay20_ when more cases were identifiedthe PublicHealth UnitcontactedtheWalkertonPUCon two occasionsthatday. The PUCwas askedagainif the watersystemwassafe andsecureand they repliedthatit was.

On SundayMay21st,all evidencepointed to acontaminatedwatersupply.The Public HeathUnitadvisedWalkerton residentsnotto drinkthe water despite the WalkertonPUC's assurance that .the watersupply was safe.

Independentwatersamples were takenby the BGOSHU on SundayMay21stand MondayMay22nd.On TuesdayMay 23rdthe Public Healthlaboratoryinformedthe Health Unit thatresultsfromsamplessubmittedindicatedwatercontamination.

Note."The informationin this article was takenfrompress releases issuedby the Bruce:Grey-OwenSoundHealth Unit. The OBNEditorialTeamwill be presentingmoreinformation,as it

• becomes available,in futureissues. If youwould like updatedinformationaboutthe WalkertonE. coli outbre,ak, vi'sitthe BruceGreyOwen SoundHealth Unitweb site at: www.srhip.on.ca/BGOSHU2/index.htm

W_

o" Branch Newsr Discover...Porcupine Porcupine Health UnitHealthUnit,Bureaude Sant_ . . .

U ello from Northeastern Ontario!

One of the first and largest health units in the province, the PorcupineHealth Unit has been servingits population of 97,425 as of 1996for more than 56 years. Weprovide services to 14municipalities,the James Bay coast up to Peawanuck, as well as a large unorganized area. Our total land area is146,195square kilometres. To put that in perspective, that's about 12,000 square kilometres largerthan the provincesof Prince Edward Island, Nova Scotia and New Brunswick put together. Thehead office is located in Timmins andwe have satellite offices in the towns of Matheson, IroquoisFalls, Cochrane,Smooth Rock Falls, Kapuskasing, Hearst, Homepayne and Moosonee.For anotherperspective on this immense area, to travel from the Timmins head office to our furthest satelliteoffice (Hornepayne) takes about 5 }Ahrs at the speed limit! And our Moosonee office is accessibleonly by air or by train!

The Health Unit is organized in three divisions, Administration, Health Protection and HealihPromotion.A Directorand a Managermanage eachdivision.TheHealthProtectionDivisionincludeshealthinspectors,cd teamnurses,dental staffas wellas supportstaff.Ourninepublichealthinspectors Ware located in the following communities: [

HBruceFortin Michel Girouard /

Director Of Health Protection Services Manager of Health Protection Services

TIMMINS

Diane Pustina Nadine Rypalowski Bob Bell Emmanuel Sebastian Don Durocher

(Coordinator) C OCHRANE HEARSTKAPUSKASING

Bob Richard' Susan Sutherland Terry O'Donnell Jacques Poulet(Senior Inspector) (Coordinator)

Branch News] lmAll inspectors deliver a generalizedprogram of services with a few of the inspectors taking leadroles in the areas of infection control, tobacco enforcement and sewage systems. The coordinatorshave the added responsibility of monitoring compliance with the Mandatory Health Program andServices Guidelines.

The most recent event of interest involves a "special" rabies specimen. We received a call from aMoosonee Ministry of Natural Resources conservation officer informing us that_a polar bear hadbeen shot after a cabin approximately 30 miles north of Moosonee. They were concerned aboutrabies since they believed that it was acting strangely.The inspector's investigation revealed thatmany people were in contact with the dead bear. Exposure ranged from rubbing the bear's teeth forgood luck to havingblood Splatteredover the persons skinningthe carcass.Now for a perspective onthe size of the specimen ...... picture the head being the size of a 17-inch computer monitor! Thetesting results were negative for the rabies Virus.I guess the "tooth rubbing" paid off

The Timmins inspectorshave a "sinking" feeling these days. Timmins, the city with a heart of gold,is experiencing increasing occurrences of "sink holes" in a particular area of the city. Sinkholesdevelop when a problem (usually a rising water table) occurs in old mining stopes that result in theground above the area sinking into the cavity.At risk are severalbusinesses in the Schumacher area

including the nursing home as well as the Hollinger golf club. Areas of concernfor the inspectors

include water lines and sewer mains to the nursing home, and restaurants. Attempts to fill the holeswith sand have not been successful so far. The sizes of the sink holes range from a few feet indiameter to 50 to 60 feet in diameter and 15or so feet deep (extra hazards on the golf course!). The

Ministry of Northern Development and Mines is investigating.

Another item that is beir_ginvestigated is again relatedto an old mining area. The Kam Kotia mineceased production in 1972. It left a legacy of contaminated tailings that has been called the worstcontaminatedsite in Canada.Recent complaints from theresidents in the immediatearea with respectto drinking water have forced the Ministry of Environment & Energy (MOEE)to revisit and updatetheir data. Our role so far has been a review of the MOEE data. From that limited information, wehave determined that there does not appear to be a health risk with the consumption of water fromwells:in that area. The review of data is ongoing and the MOE will provide Uswith an update. Thegovernment has announced funding of three million dollars to begin a cleanup of the site.

Alongthe sameline, inspectorsarepartof a multi-disciplinarygroupinvolvedwith PCBcontaminatedsoils in the community of Fort Albany on the James Bay coast..This site was formerly a NationalDefence site. Many meetings have been attended and work is ongoing to have the land cleaned up.o

One of our longest running sewage problems is on its wayto being repairedlThe hamlet of Buffalo-Ankerite, an old mining town site and part of the city of Timmins, has just received MOE approvalfor the replacement of its twocommunal sewage systems. The city will be the owners of the newsewage systems and will be responsibie_.fortheir maintenance_This "battle" had gone on for about20.years. ,

The City Of Timmins is a major host community for evacuees of the surrounding•area. Other,, communities also offerthis serviceinthe event thatthe Timmins facilitiesare filled. Natural disasters

such as floods and forest fires frequently require evacuees to be fedand sheltered in the host_community.This•activityoccursOna Seeminglyannualbasis especiallywith our coastal communities

= Diov..o lBranch NewsI Porcupine Health Unit

and the flooding problemsthat they encounter. In 1996,Timmins had to evacuatemany of its ownresidents due to a major flood. Inspectors are involved with the evacuation centres in the areas offood safety, control of infectious diseases and general sanitation.

We recently had a gathering of a large crowd of people for another reason. Shania Twain held aconcert for her hometown fans on July 1, 1999. Approx. 20,000 people attended. Inspectors wereinvolved from the start of the planning process to ensure safe food delivery from the many foodconcessionsthat thecityhad Setup. Foodhandlingeducationsessionswere providedto all concessionstaff. Inspectors were also onsite during the event,monitoring food preparation.This was one of the llargest gatheringsof people for a single event that we have seen.

i

The health inspectors are also very active in providing Food Handler Certification courses. Thecourses are provided district-wide on a quarterly basis, as a minimum. The inspectors utilize theFood Safe course as the primaq¢educational tool. Our feedback shows that the courses arevery wellreceived.

Since its introduction in 1994, the inspectors have been busy enforcing the Tobacco ControlAct.One inspectorhas a lead role for the TCA but all inspectorsparticipate in theenforcement activities.Our smaller communities and geographic area present many obstacles to the enforcement but wehave found that the use of enforcement checks is an efficient method to monitor the saleof tobaccoto minors. The lead inspector trains the students and performs the checks.As a result of these checkswehave seen the "willingness to sell" rate decline from.ahigh of 66% in 1996to about 12%in 1999.Another factor in this substantial reduction is the publication of the names of those convicted ofsellingtobacco to those lessthan 19years of age. Once all convictions are registered, a newsreleaseis distributed with the names of businesses that were chargedas well as the names of the individualpersons that were convicted.The inspectorshave heardmanytimes that this is the primarydeterrentas opposed to the fine.

For more information, please contact Mike Girouard at (705) 267-1181 or visit our website atwww.porcupinehu.on.ca.

P.S. Those of you familiar withour traditional"porcupine'logo will notice thatwe havea brand-new logo.

- -' rcupine -HealthUnit- BureaudeSant_

Branch .News mm

CIPItI (Ont. Br.) 61stEducational Conference"Building Bridges... Strengthening Our Profession"

September 24 to September 28, 2000atThe WestinPrince

900YorkMillsRoad,Toronto

The CanadianInstituteof Public Health Inspectors,OntarioBranch is hosting its 61stAnnualEducationalConferencefrom September 24-28, 2000. The theme of this year's conference is"Building Bridges... Strengthening Our Profession". As the namesuggests,topicswill focus onexploring partnershipopportunitieswith communitystakeholdersand discussingrelevantpublichealth issues for the new millennium. In addition, the conferenceaims to build skills throughinteractiveworkshopsandshowcasethe collective strengthandexperienceof OntarioPublicHealthUnits.

It is with much enthusiasm that we extend a personal invitation to each and everyone of yo!! It isour hope that as manyof our colleagues,members,professional leaders and communitystakeholders

_j attend this year's conference.The conference promises to be very eventful this year, as a golf tournament, boat cruiseand thePresident'sbanquetareall includedin yourfull registration.As well,witheveryfourfull registrations,

the fifth registration is FREE!

Please find enclosed a preview of the HOT TOPICS that will be discussed and debated at thecon_el'ence.

Stay tuned for more exciting details to follow with our registration mail-out in July2000. Lookingforward to seeing you in September,61_tAnnual Educational Conference Committee

Correction to Conference Mail-out

The conference2000 planningcommitteeregrets to informall interesteddelegatesof an error in the last conference update package. Please be advised that the GolfTournamentis NOT includedin the full registration.Ifyou are interestedinpartici-pating in the tournamentyou must include payment for the golf registration andindicatethis onyou r registrationform. If you haveanyquestionsplease feel free tocontact Suzanne Shaw at 396-4254, conference co-chair.

mn Branch News_l

CIPHI (Ont. Br.) 61stEducational Conference"Building Bridges... Strengthening Our Profession"

September 24 to September 28, 2000at The Westin Prince

900 York Mills Road, Toronto

i:?

HOT TOPICS:

Education & Enforcement _

Adulteducationprinciples ConflictmanagementPresentationskills ProsecutionInvestigation skills in enforcement

Safe Communities

Needles inyourcommunity Risk communicationInjuryprevention EmergencyresponseIndoorair quality Safekids OPlaygroundsafety

Healthy EnvironmentsSun safety " smog/heat/cold alertsGround water contamination Bottled waterBeach water sampling Development review

Mandatory Guidelines & Local ProgramsFood banks Smokingby-lawFood irradiation Ontariofood safetystrategyRaccoon rabies Personal services

*Topics are subject to change at any time without notice.

Need more details? Contact:

Pamela Scharfe, Toronto Public Health Suzanne Shaw, CIPH1 Ont. Br.pscharfe@city.toronto.on.ca " sshawl@city.toronto.on.ca

Branch News l mGeorge Addario Retires..._! In 1971, the Muskoka-Parry Sound Health Department

• employed a strapping young Italian Stallion by the name_ of George Addario. Although his only experience was

in construction, he made them an offer they Couldn'trefuse.

By 1978 George was promoted to supervisor. His staffalways respected George for his disco attire. In fact,few people are aware that his life story inspired"Saturday Night Fever", but the producers couldn't findanyone better looking than John Travolta to play George.

In 1989, always the "Dapper Don", George' s first actionas Director was to implement a "Faux Versace" dresscode in Muskoka-Parry Sound.

George will undoubtedly enjoy his retirement with his

beautiful wife and two sons. The Ontario Branch wishes

George a happy and healthy retirement. We hope hewill continue to participate in all C.I.P.H.I. events.

The Editorial Team

Thank you North Bay and District Health Unit for hosting theC.I.P.H.I. 2000 Curling Bonspiel!

This year the annual curling bonspiel was held on April 8thin North Bay. Organizers were verypleased with the attendance and deemed the bonspiel a great success. Participants enjoyed theawards dinner that was held on site at the hotel. There was a shuttle bus provided for participantsthat ensured a safe and good time for all.

The North Bay and District Health Unit would like to thank C.I.P.H.I. (Ontario Branch) for a loan of$500 that was used for a down payment on the venue and a $ !00 gift. PCO, has been very supportiveof C.I.P.H.I. events, was generous enough to make acash donation to the event. When the accounting wascompleted the organizing committee was able to paythe C.I.P.H.I. loan, donate an extra $300 to the

Institute and make a donation to a local charity.

The North Bay and District Health Unit would like tothank all participants of the2000 C.I.P.H.I. CurlingBonspiel and also extend an offer of assistance to thePerth District Health Unit who graciously acceptedthe honour of hosting the 2001 bonspiel.

"The Winners" Bruce-Grey-Owen Sound.

mBr ancb News

Calling All Public Health Inspectors, Environmental Health Managers and Directors

Learn NEW Skills! Share your SKILLS!

Calling all CIPHI members. As some mayrecallat the last OntarioBranch Conference an issue wasraised concerning'what does the Institute dofor its members'? The response'.,hat can rou doforthe institute'?

Whatcanyou do? Everything[The OntarioBranchexecutive is lookingfornewmembersto bringfresh ideas, new outlooksand enthusiasmto their committees. Volunteeryourtime to build net-worksand learnnew skills in areas such as communications(media releases, web site development,producingnewsletters) and health promotion and professional development (sponsorship, confer-ence planning, skills development).

Our committees are presently quite small but our will to do a great job and provide membershipopportunities is more than enthusiastic. .

If you are interested in becoming part of an energized committee or would like more informationcontact Suzanne Shaw at sshawl@city.toronto.on.ca (phone (416) 396-4254) or Sonia Singh atsonia.singh@region.york.on.ca(phone (905) 895-4511).

Ron on Raccoon Rabies

Recently,Iwentto aninterestingmeetingregardingraccoonrabiesandthoughtto pass on someofthe informationI gleamedfrom it. There were representativesfrom the M.N.R., O.M.A.F.R.A.,C.F.I.A.,A.L.P.H.A.,A.S.P.H.I.O.,C.I.P.H.I.and the Ministryof Health and Long-TermCareatthis gathering.

1. The Ministrywill, or moreprobably,has alreadysentouta questionnaireto each healthunit inOntarioregardingtheirraccoon rabiescontingencyplan.There is graveconcern that agencies thatareat presentdealingwith "nuisance"wild animalswill notbe ableto handle thenumberand typeof calls thatthey will receivewhenandif raccoonrabies strikestheircommunities.

2. Leeds,GrenvilleandLanarkDistrict(LGLD)HealthUnithas takenthe initiativeindealingwithpotentiallyrabidwildlife thatarein built-upareaswherethereis the potentialformultiplehumanexposures.This is out of the scope of the presentMandatoryGuidelines,as it doesn't see thehealthunitsdealingwith wild animals. LGLDhealth unithascontracteda trapperto dealwiththese situationsbutthe questionof who shouldbear the cost of this serviceis still in question.

4-

3. M.N.R. statedthat dealingwith wild animals in municipalitieswas nevertheir responsibilityandwill notassist healthunitspresentlyfacingraccoonrabiescases.

4. As of April28, 2000,therehasbeen 27 animalspositivewith theraccoonrabiesstrain.Thoughtsare that it is doubtfulthat it can be containedin the present areas. .

What does this mean? Raccoon Rabies will soon be coming to a community near you!

by Ron Hartnett, C.P.H.I.(C)Renfrew County and District Health Unit

BranchNewsl E•xecutive Rep °rts imPast President's Report _ Expenditures

10001 973June 2000 ,

Please see ASPHIO Corner in this issue. 8001

Secretary-Treasurer's Report 6°°I 413

June 2000 _°i_'_i i 294As of May 9, 2000, Branch membership has in-

_ creased significantly to a total of 361. _ _ ._ _, -_ z _ _

_,_._ ._=o _ _ _

The revenues and expenditures for the first quar- _} ; = _ " _ _ _ _ =_- _= "_

ter (the period between January 1,2000 and April d:,_ _30, 2000) are listed below. <

The balance sheet and income statement are avail-able upon request. Healthy Environments

Submittedby: June 2000Judy deGrosbois Drinking Water IssueSecretary-Treasurer

I have received a response to my letter to the

' 350_ 301 Membership Minister of the Environment regarding

30-01 monitoring of drinking water supplies. The2sol Ministry advised me that it is the responsibility•2001 of the owner of the water system to ensure that

1501 the water supply meets the Ontario DrinkingWater Objectives. They further informed me that

1001 30 25 •55°I _ I _ audits are currently being conducted on •drinkingOf Regulm- Lifetime Retired Students water systems in Ontario. Due to staffshortages,

however, the Ministry is focusing on largerdrinking water supply systems.

140007 Revenue I wrote the new Minister (this makes #3) andadvised him that our concern lies with the smaller

I

I drinking water supply systems in Ontario and that•[ $8144.00 even though the M.O.E. had advised us that theyI

1 were looking after any system over 5 households,r_0o0_ I exclaimed that this did not seem to be the case.

To date, I have not received a response.

Please see nay articles about raccoon rabies andplayground safety in this issue.

$138.00 $16.00A V

o [ , / Submitted by:Membership Sales Other Ron J. Hartnett

HealthyEnvironments

m !l[]! Executive Reports Branch News_lembership Services Health, gave an overview of pandemic influenza

June 2000 planning in Ontario. Naideen Bailey and NadyaKarmali from the Waterloo Region CommunityMembership numbers are looking better so farHealth Department and Sally Cameron from

this year but there are still a lot of inspectors whoCentral Park Lodge in Kitchener presented their

do not belong to the institute. Presently I am test-ing out my email list of contacts at each health unique perspective on the coroner's inquest into

the influenza outbreak last year. Dr. Erikaunit to gather information about the number ofinspectors in each health unit and the number of Abraham, Ontario Ministry of Health providedan overview of the recent influenza season. Barbwhich presently belong to the institute. The in-formation I have gathered thus far is rather dis- Marshall, from Hoffmann-LaRoche presented thelatest information on neuraminidase inhibitors forcouraging. I again invite you to talk to your fel- the treatment of influenza.low inspectors to encourage them to join.

I am planning on producing another PHI directory Day two was filled with timely issues relating tocommunicable disease and outbreak control. Jimsince there has been a lot of movement around

the province this year. Look for that coming out Reffle, Middlesex London Health Unit, delivereda review of the recent E. coli 0157 outbreak relatedin the fall.to a petting zoo. Dr. Ross Pennie, McMaster

If you have any problems or suggestions about University, presented up to date information onmembership services, please feel free to contact antibiotic use and resistance in childhood illness.me at (519) 663-5317 X 2303 or at Dr. Margaret Fearon, Toronto Public Health

!_ nancy.hoffer@mlhu.on.ca Laboratory, reviewed the latest on West Nile

Submittedby: Encephalitis. Sandi Amorim and Stephanie

/

NancyHoffer Turpin,. Waterloo Region Community HealthMembershipServices Department, and Lucie Imbiscuso, Wellington-

Dufferin-Guelph Health Unit presented theirCommunicableDisease/C,D, Reservoir common Norwalk outbreak. Henry Garcia,June 2000 Leeds-Grenville Health Unit, provided an

overview of his raccoon rabies experience.The Pathogens Among UsThe 8th annual CIPHI Communicable Disease Merck FrossL Hoffman-LaRoche and ViroxConference was held at the Toronto Public Health Technologies were exhibitors and corporate

Laboratory on May 11 and 12, 2000. The CIPHI sponsors of the conference. The Quality HotelCD Committee worked their magic once again to sponsored one of the refreshment breaks to makepull off a very successful conference. The event amends for the inconvenience imposed on manywas well attended with delegates from public delegates who stayed at their hotel last year andhealth units, Health Canada, private laboratories, were victims of credit card fraud.

acute care hospitals and Ryerson. The evaluations of the day were extremely

Day one was a comprehensive review of favorable. Many attendees indicated that theyinfluenza, both past and present. Dr. Susan look forward to the conference each year.: MostTamblyn, Medical Officer of Health for Perth of the evaluations commented that the topics wereCounty, gave an overview of the influenza timely and very applicable to their practice. Thepandemic of 1918 and its impact on in Perth only negative evaluations were the usualCounty. Dr. Monika Naus, Ontario Ministry of complaints about the temperature of the room and

mBranchNews] Executive Reports t,mhealth units with a new resource to promotelml

the condition of the washrooms. The temperature HACCP in food service premises. Potential1

of the auditorium is linked to the temperature of private and public sector agencies(including thethe laboratory itself, and cannot be changed. Next Ministry of Health and Long-Term Care) wereyear we will endeavor to advise delegates to bring approached to request sponsorship funding. Theseajacket Or sweater in anticipation of this concern, sponsorship requests were unsuccessful.The bathroom is a special challenge, which we A sponsor for the project was found in April ofwill continue to try to improve. The laborat0ry 2000. The Nutrition Resource Project(OPHA)is the favored location for the conference as it is

provided funding(approximately $10,500) andcentrally and conveniently located, fosters the will allow for the distribution of a limited numberrelationship between CIPHI and the Central of free posters to each provincial health unit. A

Health Lab, and helps keep conferencebackground cover letter will be sent to all health

registration costs low. units(Directors of Environmental Health/FoodThe CD Committee will continue to provide Safety Coordinators) prior to delivery of thetimely and applicable education for anyone posters in June 2000.

in communicable disease and infection

control. If you have any suggestions for topics The committee requests the consideration of theCIPHI Executive to coordinate future distributionfor next year's conference, please contact any of of this

_the committee members listed below. Plan tOresource.

-y- attend next spring's conference for the latest 2.Stanier Society Essay Contest. The committee]communicable disease information and an in partnership with the Stanier Society, CIPHI

_ opportunity to network with your colleagues! National and Environmental Health Foundation

Submittedby: invites certified Public Health Inspectors(CIPHIBeyMiddleton,Chair Bruce-Grey-OwenSound member s in good standing) to participate in anCathyEgan WaterlooRegion Opinion Paper Contest. The contest is a forumLauraFarrell HuronCounty through which CIPHI members can have a voiceSusanMorrison Lambton on issues affecting the CIPHI, the field of PublicRosemarieArndt KentChatham Health Inspection and the sanitary sciences. TheHeatherReesor HaltonRegionLucieImbiscuso Wellington-Dufferin-Gueiph contest provides $500.00 in prize money(AliciaLowe TorontoHealth sponsored by the Stanier Society) and splitJane Shimizu TorontoHealth between the three opinion papers assessed to be

Food Safety Division Report the most interesting and original submissions. TheJune 2000 Opinion Paper Contest is advertised on the CIPHI

National and CIPHI Ontario Branch internet sites

The CIPHI Provincial Food Safety Division Com- and respective journal and newsletter.mittee met in Hamilton on April 28,2000for a 3.Food Handler Certification Task Force. Theregular scheduled meeting. Ongoing committee work of the food handler certification task force

initiatives include." is ongoing. Of course, the task force(CIPHI Food1.HACCP Poster Project. The committee is Safety Division Working Group) aims to developworking collaboratively on a HACCP poster a Standardized food handler certification trainingresource initiative with_the Eat Smart. t program, program for use by Ontario Health Units. TheThe committee provided for the poster design and pilot project was circulated to participating Healthcontent and Lesley Macaskill(Eat Smart! Units in February of 1998. The task force hasProgram) coordinated sponsorship for the project, recently summarized evaluations from elevenA goal of the project is to provide provincial Health Units which participated in the pilot

I Executive Rep0rts [BranchNews/project. Andrew Papadopoulos(Executive

Director,alPHa)isattemptingtofindasponsoring the time of this report, the OntarioBranchhasagencytOprovidethe necessaryfundingto allow made approximately$50 in commission fromfor completionof the project, purchasesmadethroughthe link. A chequewill

4.GeneralCorrespondence(Advocacy).A letterto be forwardedonce the branchhasacquired$100in commission.the editor of the Toronto Starwas printed on

February29,2000 andin responseto a series of The OntarioBranch web site has been chosenarticleswrittenby the Star's Robert Cribb and along with other CIPHI branch web sites byregarding restaurant inspections. The letter HealthLinks,aweb sitethatlistslinksto variousprofiledthatmandatoryfoodhandlertrainingand health relatedsites. This certainlywill increase.d_strongerenforcementtools arerequiredin the thevolumeof visitorstothe branchsite,programsprovince. . andservices.

A letter of support for interim guidelines and The Branch Executive is requested to view theregulation for the control of Verotoxinogenic web site and provide electronic updates to theirEscherichia coli including E. coli 0157:H7 in programs to Sonia Singh by August 2000.ready-to-eatfermented sausages containing beefor beef product ingredients was sent to Paul Ontario Branch NewsMayers,DirectorBureauof Microbial Hazards on The Ontario Branch News (OBN) is the journalMarch 30,2000. for Public Health Inspectors in Ontario. It is

quarterlypublication that is providedto membersThecommitteeparticipatedin thereviewofa draft of the OntarioBranch. Articles onvarious public

i letter from the OPHA and addressed to the health issues, events, conferences,___HonourableElizabeth Witmer and regarding the announcementsand BranchExecutiveReportsare

/

recent amendments to Ontario Food Premises all included in this publication.Regulation O. Reg. 562 RRO 1990. The letteraddresses concerns regarding the government's The OBN Editorial Team has acquired anotherfailure to consult with OPHA (and its many member who will be responsible for takingconstituent societies including CIPHI and pictures at branch events. Bill Shukaris worksASPHIO) prior to amending the regulation, for York Region Health Services as a Health

Inspector. He will affectionately be known asSubmitted by: the OBN Papparazzi. The OBN Team stillMichael Duncan requires two individuals to work on securingFood Safety Division Chair

advertisements for the publication.Communications Division

The Spring 2000 issue of the OBN was sent outJune 2000 March 9thand received positive feedback withTheCommunicationsDivision is responsible for respect to the layout and content. The Editorialthe development and maintenanceof the Ontario Team ofJohn Sirilas, JulieDavisand Sonia SinghBranch Web Site and the Ontario Br_ch News. would liketo thank the individuals who took the

time to write, email or call in their comments.Ontario Branch Web Site

After the last Executive meeting, the Ontario The Summer 2000 issue is expected to beBranch was registered as a Chapters.ca affiliate completed by late June.which would provide the branch with additional Submitted by:funding when visitorsto the branch web site link SoniaSinghto the Chapters.ca site and make a purchase. At CommunicationsDivision

BranchNews] Executive Reports Iml:m:Partnership Liaison conference aims to provide a forum for publicJune 2000 health inspectors and managers to build skills

through interactiveworkshops. KeynotespeakersOn March 27, 2000, an informal information like Rolland LaFrance speaking on "You're thesession was held at Ryerson Polytechnic 'I' in Investigations" and S0nya Corkum,University discussing the role of the C.I.P.H.I. Executive Director of Safe Kids Canada havethroughout Ontario and within Canada. Mr. been askedto attend the conference.Michael Minor and myself hosted the meetingand reviewed topices such as certification, The socialeventsplanned are the traditional Golfmembership, and job experiences. It was well Tournamentwith a BBQ to follow at the hotel, aattended with over 100students, representing all boat cruise around Toronto Harbour includingfour years of the program. Overall, the meeting dinner andentertainment, and a mysteriousnightwas aresounding success, leaving students with of 'Deadly Dining' at the Presidents Banquet.

a better understanding of C.I.P.H.I. and the role Watch for more information that will be sent outit plays within the profession, to all members and health units within the next

Due to time constraints, I have been unable to few weeks. For questions or inquiries pleaseattend any OPHA meetings recently, however, I contact Pam Scharfe at

_ have beenkeeping in touchwith the organization pscharfe@city.toronto.on.ca or myself at

and receivingcurrenteventnoticesthrough email, sshawl @city.toronto.on.ca

Submitted by: Submitted by:Andre Blasutig Suzanne Shaw,Councillor

1

Health Promotion and Professional CIPHI - 66 thAnnual iDevelopment Educational ConferenceJune 2000 "Celebrating Our Successes -

The 61st CIPHI Ontario Branch Conference, Expanding Our Horizons""Building Bridges...Strengthening Our Vancouver, B.C., April 8 - 12, 2000Profession" is approaching quickly and theconference planning committee is looking Vancouver,whata beautifulcity! Startingfromforwardtomeetingdelegates from allhealthunits the date of myarrival to my departure, every day

was jam packed with a variety of excitingacross Ontario. Mark the dates on your calendar speakersl welcoming faces, long meetings andnow for Sunday September 24 th -- September i28 th. The conference is being held atthe Westin wonderfulweather(fromwhatI couldseethroughPrince Toronto located at 900 York Mills Road. the windows anyway)! Not a drop of rai!!

The most difficult challenge was deciding whatThose who are fortunate to attend will have theexperience of learning from some of the best, as speaker sessions to attend. Topic areas rangedwell as enjoy the planned social events. As the from Air Quality to Waste Management. Somename suggests, topics will focus on exploring speakers were very technical and others comicalpartnership opportunities with community in their delivery but all enjoyable!stakeholdersand discussingrelevantpublichealth With somany speakers and solittle spacehere inissues for the new millennium. In addition, this the OBNI wanted to focus onthe one person who

m [Branch NewsI_l really made an impactOnme-Dr. Jeffrey Wigand.

If anyone has seen the movie "The Insider" youknow whom I am speaking of. Dr. Wigand wasthe individual who turned his life upside downand inside out to expose corporate deceit andwrongdoing within the tobacco industry in spite

i of threats to his career and the personal lives ofthose around him. Dr. Wigand is the epitome ofstanding up for what one believes. With hisknowledge of the hazards of tobacco and thetobacco industries disregard for public health and ismoking issues Dr. Wigand could no longer sit

/

quiet. The information he held was of utmostsignificance to the improvement and protection Ron on being a C.C.P.I,

of the public's health worldwide. If Dr. Wigand I have just finished the Canadian Playgrounddid not decide to speak out, the role and effect of Safety Institute course and have passed the exam.nicotine in tobacco products may not have been I am now a Canadian Certified Playground

investigated or known to this day. Inspector. Now, what do I do with this new-foundDr. Wigand is certainly a man who has earned knowledge? How many public health inspectorsl

f every award and public recognition for his action are now also C.C.P.I.'s?

i in revealing tobacco company research and Recently, I contacted Rob Nickol, Ministrymarketing practices. He continues his battle

i Health and Long-Term Care, he mentioned tagainst the tobacco industry by spending time he is working on including the inspectioneducating teens about tobacco and encouraging playgrounds for safety issues in the Mandatorythem not to smoke through the non-profit Guidelines under Injury Prevention by Fall ofthisorganization he formed, SMOKE-FREE KIDS, year.Inc. Dr. Wigand is unquestionably a person whois truly dedicated to public health and a mentor I have also asked the conference chairpersons offor us all. the upcoming 61_t Annual C.I.P.H.I. Ontario

Submittedby Branch Educational Conference to considerSuzanne Shaw,Councillor offering the course as part of the conference or asHealth Promotion and Professional Development Division an added workshop. In addition, I discussed

Support the only organization possible funding of the course at this event with

that speaks for PHrs on Public Health the Ministry.Issues. I do believe that we are qualified as inspector's

to do this work. Although, I amnot naive enoughto believe that a 1 ½ day course completely equipsme for this job, I do believe that my 24 years asan inspector will serve me well once again.

By Ron Hartnett, C.P.H.I.(C)

ChairofHealthyEnvironments

GET A NON-MEMBER TO JOIN.

m-i'_ I_"AT I

rancn vcwsl Job Opps /

mToronto Public Health York Region Health Services

(multiple permanent vacancies) Permanent Fuil-TimeBring your expertise to our Public Health Employment Opportunity #000351Division and make your contribution to our Salary $1570.56 - $1841.35 Bi-weeklyCommunicable Disease Program in one of these Qualifications: Current Certificate in Publicchallenging, fast-pacedpositions. Health Inspection (Canada) [C.P.H.I.(C)]Put your knowledge and skills to work in this required. Bachelor of Applied Artspermanent employment opportunity to ensure a (Environmental Health) or equivalent would betimely response to notifications of infectious an asset. Related experience would be an asset.diseases, outbreaks and issues relating to infection A Working knowledge of pertinent regulationscontrol. The primary focus of the work is the enacted under the Health Protection andinvestigation of communicable disease case and Promotion Act and the Tobacco Control Act are ]outbreak occurrences as well as ensuring proper required. Must have the ability to exercise good !infection control practicesin institutions and judgement and discretion; ability to work •

_ personal service settings through inspections and independently; ability to conduct qualityeducation sessions, inspections, and ability to exercise tact and

Your qualifications include a Canadian certificate diplomacy in dealing with the public. A validin Public Health inspection, experience in Ontario driver's licence and private trasportationcommunicable disease and infection control and is required. Ability to communicate in Cantonese/ !a genuine affinity for this aspect of public health. Mandarin would be an asset.Salary: $49,000 to $54,700 per annum. For more information contact York RegionAdditionalInformation: Human Resources Department at (905) 895- i 231This position involves travel to various sites within theassigned region. In some locations, access to a vehicle is This is a Union Position - CUPE Local 4900. Initial area

of employment will be at the Richmond Hill Office, 10required. Trench Street, Richmond Hill.The Posting deadline was July 7, 2000, however, if youare interested in these positions contact: Application Deadline: Until positions filledJay Buttery, Human Resources Consultant Send application and quote:

HumanResources EmploymentOpportunity#000351"toiPublicHealth HumanResourcesServicesDepartmentSuite200 TheRegionalMunicipalityof York277VictoriaStreet 17250YongeStreetToronto,Ontario Newmarket,Ontario

M5B IW2 L3Y6Z1Phone: (416)392-7994,Fax: (416) 392-1230or E-mailjbuttery@city,toronto,on.ca.

Committedto employmentequity,the City of TorontoencouragesapplicantsfromAboriginalpeople,peoplewithdisabilities,racialminoritiesandwomen.

I, wwwi,h/oncaI.. .

mJob Opps [BranchNews

Renfrew County and DistrictHealth Unit Muskoka'Parry-Sound Health Unit

Permanent / Full-time Public Health Inspectors Permanent/Full-Time-(2) Temporary Full-TimeCompetition # PHI 99-16 The Muskoka-Parry Sound Health Unit has 3The Renfrew County and District Health Unit has openings for public health inspectors, 2an opening for a Public Health Inspector working permanent full-time and one contract (temporaryin a generalized program, which includes Part full-time).VIII (Sewage Disposal) of the Ontario BUilding Qualifications: Certificate in Public HealthCode.

Inspection (Canada), B.Sc. (EnvironmentalQualifications: Certificate in Public Health

Health, Public Health Option) or equivalentInspection - (Canada); B.Sc. (Environment) or

Excellent knowledge of Health Protection andequivalent; Excellent knowledge.of Health Promotion Act and its relevant regulationsProtection and Promotion Act and relevant

Excellent knowledge of Tobaccoregulations; Excellent verbal and written

its relevant regulations. Excellent verbal an_communication skills in the English language; written language skills (English). Valid OntarioValid Ontario driver's licence and own vehicle. driver's license and own vehicleLocation: Pembroke office

LocationsPlease forward resume quoting Competition # 1 Permanent/Full-Time in BracebridgePHI 99-16 to:

!i 1 Permanent/Full-Time in BurksMrs. Catherine Bloskie 1 Temporary/Full-Time in Parry Sound

Director, Corporate Services Interested applicants are invited to apply in_l

Renfrew County & District Health Unit confidence to:

/

7 International Drive Peter Jekei

Pembroke, Ontario Director of Infectious DiseasesK8A 6W5 Muskoka-Parry Sound Health Unit

Fax # (613) 735-3067 70 Pine Street

We thank all applicants for their interest, however, only Bracebridge, Ontariothose selected for an interview will be contacted. P1L 1N3Note: Deadline for applications will remain open until Faxed applications will also be accepted:position filled 1-705-645-8567

Positions will remain open until filled.

The Municipality of Haidimand'Norfolk

The Haldimand-Norfolk Regional Health Department has two openings for Public Health Inspectors,; one permanent full time and one temporary full time_ Qualifications: Certificate in Public Health

Inspection - ( Canada ), B.Sc. (Environmental Health, Public Health Option) or equivalent. ExcellentknowIedge of Health Protection and Promotion Act and relevant regulations. Excellent verbal and

i_ written communication skills. Must possess a valid Ontario's driver's license and access to a vehicle.Salary: $21.637 - $241257/hour (Jan. 1/99) Interested applicants are invited to apply in confidence to:The Commissioner of Human Resources70 Town Centre Drive

L

Townsend, Ontario NOA ISO{Faxedapplicationswillbe accepted-(519)587-4537} - _Note:Deadlineforapplicationswillremainopenuntilpositionsarefilled. Onlythoseto be interviewedwillbe

mBranc hNews Job Opps _i]

• - " " Y Inl

PUBLIC HEALTH INSPECTORS WANTED Qualifications/Experience:? , ,

Northern Lights Regional Health CertificateofPublic HealthInspection(Canada),Degree in EnvironmentalHealth preferred,2-3

Services _ Alberta yearsrecentexperiencein environmentalhealthIf you are a health professional or are thinking in a generalizedprogram. Thorough knowledge 'about a careerin health services, now is the time of publichealthlawsand relatedlegislation. Valid !to consider Northern Lights. Northern Lights driver's license/own vehicle required

Regional Health Centre is well recognized as the The above competition will remain open untilheart of health services in this region. With a suitable candidate is selectedgrowing community comes the need for healthservices to respond. Northern Lights Regional Health Services

provides a competitive benefits package alongOurHealthCentre isa dynamic,multidisciplinary with relocation assistance as appropriate.environment with opportunitiesfor professionalsto exercise theirfull scope of skills and abilities. Please submit resumes forthe abovepositions to:

Human Resources DepartmentNorthern Lights Regional Health Services is Northern Lights Regional Health Servicespleased to announcethe immediateopeningfora 7 Hospital Street

O Regular Full-time Public Health Inspector. Fort McMurray, AB T9H 1P2Reporting totheManager,EnvironmentalHealth, Tel: (403) 791-6011the successful candidate will be responsible for Fax: (403) 791-6281the inspection of fixed premises on a routine and Website: www.nlrha.ab.cademand basis; investigate communicable disease As a condition of employment, all new employees to the

Northern Lights Regional Health Services must provide a_nd food borne illness outbreaks; reviewcurrent criminal records check satisfactory to the Employer,

development proposals; and provide formal and in compliance with the Protection for Persons in Care Act.informal training to food sector workers, pooloperations, general public issues, and operating We thank all applicants for their interest but only those

permits for various premises, under consideration will be contacted.

Palliser Health AuthorityPermanent,Full-TimePublicHealthInspectorin Brooks,Alberta.

We areseekinganenthusiasticindividualcommittedto progressiveand innovativeapproachestoenvironmentalhealth objectives.Generaldistrictdutiesinclude inspection,enforcementandeducationalactivitiesin a diverseurbanandruralenvironmentalhealthprogram.Specialistfunctionsarealso assignedbasedon interestandability.Minimum qualification.isa Certificatein Public HealthInspection(Canada).Experienceand a relateddegreearedefiniteassets. Excellent interpersonal,writtenandoralcommunicationskills area must.The successfulapplicant wil[ be requiredto have avalid driver's license and reliabletransportation.Acriminalrecordcheck is requiredpriorto hire. This is a smoke-fleeworkplace.PalliserHealth Authorityoffersanexcellentcompensationandbenefitpackage.Interestedapplicantsmayapplyin confidenceby July18, 2000. BrucevanMulligen,RegionalManager,EnvironmentalHealth Services, PalliserHealth Authority,2948 DunmoreRoadSE,MedicineHat,AB, T1A 8E3, Phone: (403) 502-8201; Fax: (403) 528-2250;iE-mail:bvanmulligen@pha.ab.ca

B=: ]Branch..News/ Water Willy Condenses!The Bianch is no longer producing "How Well is Your Well" in pamphlet form, due to the expense.However, due to the demand for the information, we will be offering it in a different format. Theinformation in the pamphlet has been divided between two information sheets, similar in format toour CD Info sheets. They will be sold in packages of 100 tear-off sheets, with information printedon both sides.

DrinkingWater Safety: Wells< why drinkingwaterfromwells shouldbe sampled< how to sampleyour well for bacteria< water qualitytests< how to interpretlaboratoryresults< how to disinfect your well< how to care for your private well< diagrams of drilled well and dug well construction

Drinking Water Safety: Water Quality

_ < common water quality problems, including a description of nitrates[, < water treatment devices for bacteria and chemicals 1

< bottled water< cisterns

< how to care for your well

_ And as a bonus offer, if the title of this ad made you laugh, I'll send you a free copy of both resources!i Contact: J. de Grosb0is, Perth District Health Unit, 653 West Gore St., Stratford, ON N5A 1L4

/

tel: (519) 271-7600 ext. 249 fax: (519) 271-2195 email: degrosbois@pdhu.on.c a

Smoke-Free Public Places

An Update on Waterloo Region's Smoking BylawA Bylaw to Regulate Smoking in Public Places in the Regional Municipality of Waterloo,Bylaw 96-055, as amended,

In 1996, the Region of Waterloo set in motion a landmark change for the year 2000 by passing andimplementing the first region-wide smoking bylaw in Ontario. After three years of preparation, theSecond stage of the Smoking Bylaw came into effect on January 1, 2000, requiring all places wherethe public have access to be 100% smoke-free.

Between 1996-1999, a comprehensive education and promotion campaign was implemented toeducate proprietors about the Bylaw requirements and to ensure broad community awareness and

i encourage support for the smoke-free provisions in the Bylaw.Enforcement efforts between 1996-2000focused primarily on education and response to consumercomplaints for violations in specificpremises.Enforcementactivities intensified in November 1999,with an educational sweep of all proprietors affected by the Smoking Bylaw. Over a two weekperiod, eachestablishmentwasvisitedby one ofthe CommunityHealthDepartment's (CHD)twenty-six Public Health Inspectors (PHI's). Each premise received a written education package which

Branch News] m_• " l_l

1

Smoke-Free Public Places... continued

included an informational letter, required signage, Bylaw information pamphlet, common questionsand answers fact sheet, and tip sheet for staff and owners.

In January 2000, enforcement efforts shifted from education to compliance with the Bylaw. Once tagain, each premise received a personal visit from a PHI to ensure owners had posted the requiredno-smoking signs and removed ashtrays. If non-compliance was observed, owners received oneverbal warning, followed by two written warnings before legal action was pursued. Smoking patronswere given verbal warnings and issued an educational card reminding them of the new law andpotential fines.

Initially, the compliance rate with the Bylaw was observed to be greater than 90% and this hascontinued to increase with the community's acceptance of the Bylaw. However, there continues tobe a small percentage of owners and the public that defy the Bylaw. Enforcement in these premiseshas become increasingly difficult because owners were not legally required to enforce the Bylawwithin their premises and some patrons were willing to risk the large fine.

In February 2000, three Municipal Tobacco Law Enforcement Officers were hired by the CHD to

_ enforce the Smoking Bylaw. These stafflinked with Waterloo Regional Police Services to implementa three week project to inspected premises where non-compliance was reported It was a highlysuccessful campaign that increased compliance, encouraged cooperation among owners, addressed

_ safety concerns for staff, and produced 260 more patron charges.

In the first four months of implementation of the 100% smoke-free bylaw, Waterloo Region's Smoking

Bylaw has overcome many hurdles and celebrated many successes. Recently, Waterloo RegionalCouncil amended the Bylaw to include direct owner responsibility for smoking in premises whichwill allow more effective enforcement efforts in the small percentage of establishments that continueto be defiant. In addition, a comprehensive public consultation and education campaign, ensuringowners' accountability for behaviour within their establishments and obtaining support of RegionalPolice Services have been influential factors in ensuring a successful Bylaw implementation process.Moreover, thesuccess of Waterloo Region's Smoking Bylaw would not have been possible withoutthe outstanding leadership and strong committment to protect the health of the citizens of WaterlooRegion by Regional Councillors and community groups such as Council for a Tobacco-Free WaterlooRegion.

For more information call Waterloo Region's Tobacco Information Line at (519) 883-2279 or contactSusan Close, Manager Heart Health & Cancer Prevention (519) 883-2255 orBrian Hatton, Director, Environmental Health & Lifestyle Resources (519) 883-2270.

Submitted by:Peter Heywood and Curt Monk, Public Health Inspectors, Heart Health & Cancer Prevention Program,. Waterloo Region

CommunityHealthDepartment,ShelleyBolden,HealthPromotionOfficer,HeartHealth& Cancerprevention,WaterlooRegionCommunityHealthDepartment _

I ® WWWodphioon.ca

g J l' / Branc,hNews,Peel Heaith's adventures with the issue of entrapment Under the TCA

In August 1998to January 1999, 143 enforcementchecks were conducted on tobaccoretailers inthe Regionof Peel. Out of 37 charges laid, one was stayed by an entrapment argument. Defense showed that althoughthere were previousinterventions at the store, none were with the new owner, therefore, there was noreason-

able suspicion to conducta checkwith the intentions of laying a charge. However, it's interestingto note thatthe new owner and the previous owner are brothers.

The Justice of the Peace made his decisionbased on some of the following interesting comments:° "... the evidence, before it actually being presented, the Court was thinking entrapment."• "...the court was not comfortable with it"• "... must be an inducement...to send a 16year old, whether she looks 16ornot, to request cigarettes..."° "This is like fishing."o "...is not fair.., quite frankly...I would probably have struckdown this law because I have authority to

do so. It is a bad law how it is written presently."

It appears this Justice of the Peace would have dismissed this charge even without the entrapment defense.Under the advisement of the Peel Legal Department, an appealwas not pursued. This was mainly due to thefact that a warning letter was never issued.

To adhere to the Ministry of Health's Protocol,warning letters are now presently issued to premises for anyfailed compliance check, regardless of any educational interventions in the past. Enforcement checks areconducted four to six weeks later on those premises that have failed a compliance check.

In 1999,573 compliancecheckswere conducted.Warning letterswere issuedto 163premises. Subsequently, Im83 charges were issued following an enforcement check; one was stayed by an entrapment argument. The

/

Justice of the Peace heard evidence for the case and the defense's arguments for entrapment in January of2000. The Justice held offher decision until March 2000. At that time she ruled that the defense proved theconditions for entrapment and the case was stayed.

The entrapment defense - Mack v. the Queen is the case lawthat is referred to duringentrapment arguments.Accordingto this case law,entrapment is availableas a defensewhere authoritiesprovide aperson opportunityto commit an offencewithoutreasonable suspicionor gobeyond providingopportunityto committhe offenceand induce commission of the offence. It states the court may enter a stay of the proceedings only in theclearest of cases.

i The legal opinion by Perly-Robertson, Hill & McDougal on the issue of entrapment states that the enforcementagency should have a reasonable suspicion that the accused is engaged in illegal activity and not use any typeof trickery, force or fraud to induce the offence. Peel Region Health Department, feels that a warning letter onfile should be a reasonable suspicion that an illegal activity is occurring at a premise. In addition, test shoppersare instructed not to lie or force a tobacco vendor to sell the tobacco. All that is required on the part of the

vendor is to ask for identification, to prove the age of the test shopper. The test shopper will then reveal theirtrue age.

Some Justice's in Peel have refused to hear this type of evidence, others have convicted with a commentary

of how they do not agree with the useof minors to try and buy cigarettes. Hopefully this will all be rectifiedwith the pending appeal of the most recent case. Stay tuned to the next OBN for more details.

Submittedby:AldoFranco& HafeezaBassirultah,PeelRegion

Branch News l" .....mmc_.iphi ,,,,om,,..s,,p,,°oowo,,,.,.,,o°,,on,=orm=0

IherebymakeapplicationforMembership(seetisl below)in theCanadianIn,sliluteo{PublicHealthInspectors.Thisapplicationimpliesthat membershipis tocontinueuntilresignationis tendered,orUntilmembershipis discontinuedundertheconditionscontainedIn thOBy-lawsottheInstitute.

Name; DateofB_rth:

HomeAddress:Skit Oly ProstiTute. Po._alCode

Phone#: - A E-mailaddress:Are-_,_ •

WorkPhone#: ! FaxIt: l E-mai_address:A_-_aCode AreaCode

PresentEmployee.

t.:mployerAddress: ........ PostalCodo:0_5_ Prov=alge

C,P.H,I,(C)Certilicate#:_ YearIssued: Howmanyyearshaveyoubeena memberof C!PHI?

......... : " - - .... i i , i u

Code of Ethics. As a Memberof ihe CanadianInstituteof PublicHealth Inspectors,I acknowledge:

That I havean obligationto the sciencesand artsfor the advancementof publichealth. I will upholdthestandardsof

my prolession,continuallysearch for truths,and disseminatemy findings;and Iw ! striveto keepmyself fully informedof thedevelopmentsin the field of PublicHeafth.

Thai I haveanobligationto the publicwhosetrust I holdand i wilt endea.v0ur,to the best of my ability,to guard their -

interestshonestlyand wisely. I will be loyaltOthe governmentdivisionor industryby which i am retained.

That the enjoymentof _e highestattainablestandardof healthis oneof the fundamentalrightsof every humanbeingwithoutdistinctionol race religion,politicalbelief,economicor socialoondffion.

Thatbeing loyalto my :profession,Iwilt uphold theconstitutionand By-lawsof the CanadianInstituteof PublicHealthInspectorsand E_ill,at afttimes, conductmyself in a mannerworthy of my profession,

My signaturehereonconstitutesa realizationof my personal responsibilityto acliyetydischarge theseobligations,

.Signature:............... :: ..... " Date:i nl ] -i i ii -

Pleaseindicatethe typeof membershipyou require: •ra Regular _3Student $20,00 Q Retired$20.O0 Q Fraternal $80.00 Q InternatiOnal $65,00

For regularmembershipindicatewhichbranchyouwishto belong:

• Note that GST is no longer being charged.

British Alberta Saskatchewan Manitoba Ontario Quebec New • Nova NfldiColumbia Brunswick Scotla/PEI Labrador

................ ' 1$135]00 Sl _5.00 $_05.00 $100.00 $__5.00 $_5.00 $90.00 $90,00 $90.00

Paymentismadeby:[3 Cheque O Visa#!:1 Pay{oll Deduction Nameon Card1:1 Post-datedCheques Expiry Date:

(datedbeforeMarch 31,2000)

Pleasemakechequespayable toC,I.P,H.I.and forwardyourapplicationby postalserviceto:C.I.P_HX.Box 5367,Stn,F., Ottawa,OntarioK2C3..1tFax: 604-543°0936or Phone: 604-543.,0935(Toll free: 1-888-245-8180)

13 Publications ]Branch News"m Order Form For Office Use Only:

Invoice #:

Date Order Sent:

Date Invoice Sent:

Item Costf.

CD Inforl_tion Sheets (indicate number of pads requested in adjacent column) $9.00*all CD pads are produced in tear -ott'pads of 100

Dise ase #pads Dise ase #pads

_maebiasis Lyme Disease

N/liaNA (Methicil linCampylobacteriosis Resistant Staphylococcus

-_ureus )

Clostridium dit_icile Non-reportable Parasites(Worms)

Non-reportable Parasites _-Cryptosporidiosis , (Amoebas)

Management of

i Diarrheal Infections Norwalk Virus

E.coli Nalmonellosi s

Giardiasis Rotavirus

Group A Scabies

t Streptococcus

Hepatitis A Shigellosis

li VRE ( Vanc omycin

Hepatitis B Resistant Enterococcus)

Influenza Yersiniosis

Legionellosis Respiratory Synctial Virus

gi.steriosis

Ire m Dis criptio n/Co st Numbe r Cost

Hand Wash Si N (suitable for Laminated ($2.50 each)Day Nurseries) Unlaminated ($1.60 each)

Food Fitness pamphlets $0.30 each

llX17 inches

colour glossyRabies posters $0.90 each or $0.75 each

on orders of 200 or more

Rental (**)Environmental Health Display, Purchase $350.00

Public Health Inspector colour

Pamphlet $1.10 each

Tattooing&Body Piercing $25.00 eachInspection Guide

i,

k! (No GST or PST) TOTAL

Orders are delivered by Purolator courier and delivery charges added to the invoicei unless otherwise indicated. Courier paid directly by receiver. Please provide

Purolator account number:** Please contact J. de Grosbois for further information on display rentalFax orders to (519) 271-2195 or mail: Judy de Grosbois, c/o Perth District Health Unit, 653 WestGore Street, Stratford, ON N5A 1L4 telephone: (519) 271-7600 ext. 249

Branch News ] PSr Perspectives l"Hi Folks:Congratulations on your first issue of the Ontario Branch News. I've just finished reading it and it marks a significantunprovement in lay-out and content. I like the clean contemporary look. In your editorial you address the perennialproblem of low membership. Has"any thought been given by the Branch Executive to mounting a campaign withrecognitionand perl_apsprizesgoing to the healthunit/healthdepartmentthatexperiencesthe greatestgrowthinmembership ior to the individual inspector who recruits the largest number of individuals to join? It could be a fun campaign which tcould generate considerable interest. Here's a potential slogan and method to boost membership....."Each one...getone...by 01-01". If each member undertook to recruit just one other inspector we might be pleasantly surprised by theoutcome. Thanks again for a job well done."P,cmde _

"Just wanted to congratulate you and your team on afantastic editionof the OBN. Itwas the firsttime I actually

www. ciphi, on. ca [ O_lau'_rlSatdown and read one cover to cover! Great work!!!"

IN THE NEXT ISSUE... FALL 2000 ::

>PersonalServices .:>Tobacco Control i_>Discover... To be announced , ::

>More PHI Perspectives - Storiesfrom the trenches... ._

If you or your Health Unit would like to submit articles for the next exciting issue of the OBNplease forward them to Sonia Singh by September 1, 2000 by e-mail

Sonia.singh@region.york.on.ca

€ ciphic/o York Region Health ServicesAttention: Sonia Singh17250 Yonge St.Newmarket, OntarioL3Y 6Z1

Klaus SeegerRR3 iAUBURN ON N0M 1E0

,+

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Ontario Branch Inc.

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