Sea to Sky Regional Hospital District Board Agenda May 26, 2021; 2:30 PM Virtual Meeting Held via Zoom Pursuant to Ministerial Orders M192 and M431
Item Item of Business and Page Number Page
1. Call to Order
We would like to recognize that collectively we are on the unceded territories of all of the First Nations within our regional boundaries.
2. Approval of Agenda
3. Special Staff Report
3.1 Request for Decision - Resolution Required Pursuant to 4 - 13 Ministerial Order No. M192-2020 (Local Government Meetings and Bylaw Process (COVID-19) Order No. 3) (Unweighted All Vote)
THAT the Sea to Sky Regional Hospital District is excluding in- person public attendance at this May 26, 2021 meeting on the basis of the Order of the Public Health Officer on Gatherings and Events dated December 2, 2020 which prohibits in person attendance at board meetings.
THAT pursuant to Ministerial Order No. M192, the Sea to Sky Regional Hospital District will continue to meet the principles of openness, transparency, accessibility and accountability in the current circumstances by the following means: • continuing to livestream this meeting, enabling the public to watch in real time; • continuing to post an archived video of this meeting on the Squamish-Lillooet Regional District (SLRD) website, for viewing by the public on an on demand basis; • continuing to reflect disconnections and re-connections of Directors due to technology issues in the meeting minutes; • continuing to provide information to the public on how they can review agendas and meeting minutes; • continuing to provide public notice of meetings; • continuing to assign specific start times for agenda items that are likely to be controversial or attract high public interest; • posting of draft minutes of this meeting on the SLRD website as soon as they are approved by the Chair and prior to being adopted by the Board at the subsequent Board meeting; and
Page 1 of 37 Item Item of Business and Page Number Page
• allowing additional time on the agenda to resolve technical issues and lags when admitting staff members into meetings.
4. Consent Agenda
(Voting rule on each item may vary; unanimous vote required)
Items appearing on the consent agenda which present a conflict of interest for Board Directors must be removed from the Consent Agenda and considered separately.
Any items to be debated or voted against must be removed from the Consent Agenda and considered separately.
THAT the resolutions set out in the Consent Agenda be approved, and those Consent Agenda items which do not have resolutions related thereto be received.
4.1 Approval and Receipt of Minutes
4.1.1. Sea to Sky Regional Hospital District Board Draft 14 - 18 Meeting Minutes of April 21, 2021
THAT the Sea to Sky Regional Hospital District Board Meeting Minutes of April 21, 2021 be approved as circulated.
4.2 Correspondence for Information
4.2.1. Vancouver Coastal Health - Next Step Taken for New 19 - 20 Acute-Care Patient Tower at Lions Gate Hospital
5. Business Arising from the Minutes
6. Staff Reports & Other Business
(Unweighted All Vote, except as noted)
6.1 CAO Verbal Update
6.2 Request for Decision - Letter to the Honourable Adrian Dix, 21 - 23 Minister of Health
THAT the attached draft letter with respect to revisions to the Hospital District Act be sent to the Honourable Adrian Dix, Minister of Health and that the SSRHD Chair be authorized to sign it.
6.3 Information Report - Sea to Sky Regional Hospital District, 2020 24 - 36 Audited Financial Statements with Auditor’s Report
7. Director's Reports
7.1 Chair's Verbal Report
Page 2 of 37 Item Item of Business and Page Number Page
7.2 Hospital Name Change (Director Rainbow) 37
Discuss the possibility of changing the name of the hospital in Squamish to the “Sea to Sky Regional Hospital”.
8. Decision on Late Business
(2/3 majority vote)
THAT the late business items be considered at this meeting.
9. Late Business
10. Director's Notice of Motion
11. Sea to Sky Regional Hospital District Board Closed Meeting
THAT the Board close the meeting to the public under the authority of Section 90(1)(k) of the Community Charter.
90(1)(k) negotiations and related discussions respecting the proposed provision of a municipal service that are at their preliminary stages and that, in the view of the council, could reasonably be expected to harm the interests of the municipality if they were held in public; (preliminary stage discussions)
12. Rise & Report from the Closed Sea to Sky Regional Hospital District Board Meeting
13. Adjournment
THAT the meeting be adjourned.
Page 3 of 37 Request for Decision - Resolution Required Pursuant to Ministerial Order...
Request for Decision
Resolution Required Pursuant to Ministerial Order No. M192-2020 (Local Government Meetings and Bylaw Process (COVID-19) Order No. 3)
Date of Meeting: SSRHD Board – May 26, 2021
Recommendations:
THAT the Sea to Sky Regional Hospital District is excluding in-person public attendance at this May 26, 2021 meeting on the basis of the Order of the Public Health Officer on Gatherings and Events dated December 2, 2020 which prohibits in person attendance at board meetings.
THAT pursuant to Ministerial Order No. M192, the Sea to Sky Regional Hospital District will continue to meet the principles of openness, transparency, accessibility and accountability in the current circumstances by the following means: • continuing to livestream this meeting, enabling the public to watch in real time; • continuing to post an archived video of this meeting on the Squamish-Lillooet Regional District (SLRD) website, for viewing by the public on an on demand basis; • continuing to reflect disconnections and re-connections of Directors due to technology issues in the meeting minutes; • continuing to provide information to the public on how they can review agendas and meeting minutes; • continuing to provide public notice of meetings; • continuing to assign specific start times for agenda items that are likely to be controversial or attract high public interest; • posting of draft minutes of this meeting on the SLRD website as soon as they are approved by the Chair and prior to being adopted by the Board at the subsequent Board meeting; and • allowing additional time on the agenda to resolve technical issues and lags when admitting staff members into meetings.
Background:
At the April 21, 2021 Sea to Sky Hospital District (SSRHD) Board meetings, the SSRHD Board passed the following resolution:
THAT the Sea to Sky Regional Hospital District is excluding in-person public attendance at this April 21, 2021 meeting on the basis of the Order of the Public Health Officer on Gatherings and Events dated December 2, 2020 which prohibits in person attendance at board meetings.
THAT pursuant to Ministerial Order No. M192, the Sea to Sky Regional Hospital District will continue to meet the principles of openness, transparency, accessibility and accountability in the current circumstances by the following means: • continuing to livestream this meeting, enabling the public to watch in real time;
Page 4 of 37 Request for Decision - Resolution Required Pursuant to Ministerial Order...
Request for Decision
Resolution Required Pursuant to Ministerial Order No. M192-2020 (Local Government Meetings and Bylaw Process (COVID-19) Order No. 3)
• continuing to post an archived video of this meeting on the Squamish-Lillooet Regional District (SLRD) website, for viewing by the public on an on demand basis; • continuing to reflect disconnections and re-connections of Directors due to technology issues in the meeting minutes; • continuing to provide information to the public on how they can review agendas and meeting minutes; • continuing to provide public notice of meetings; • continuing to assign specific start times for agenda items that are likely to be controversial or attract high public interest; • posting of draft minutes of this meeting on the SLRD website as soon as they are approved by the Chair and prior to being adopted by the Board at the subsequent Board meeting; and • allowing additional time on the agenda to resolve technical issues and lags when admitting staff members into meetings.
Also, at the Board meetings on September 16, 2020, June 24, 2020, July 22, 2020, September 16/17, 2020, December 16, 2021, February 24/25, 2021 and March 24, 2021 respectively, the Board passed resolutions to address the requirements of Ministerial Order No. M192.
[Please note that changes since the last report (April 2021) are highlighted in yellow below.]
Key Information
Pandemic Adaptation – Ministerial Orders, Provincial Legislation and Guidance/Resources
A provincial declaration of a state of emergency allows the provincial government to implement provincial emergency measures and access assets as necessary to prevent, respond to or alleviate the effects of an emergency. The Province of BC has been in a state of emergency for 61 weeks due to the COVID-19 global pandemic. The initial declaration of state of emergency was made on March 18, 2020 (Ministerial Order No. M073) and has been extended every two weeks, most recently (for the 31st time) on May 11, 2021 through the end of day on May 25, 2021.
Physical distancing is a measure required to limit or slow the spread of the novel coronavirus. The requirement of physical distancing applies to meetings of local governments, which restricts or limits the ability of local governments to hold meetings that are open to the public. To resolve this issue on a temporary basis, the Province issued Ministerial Order No. M139 (“M139”) relieving local governments of certain legislative requirements (such as holding meetings that are open to the public). As a result of M139, the Board was permitted in May to conduct its meeting virtually, and by electronic means, for the limited period of time that the provincial state of emergency is in effect.
2 Page 5 of 37 Request for Decision - Resolution Required Pursuant to Ministerial Order...
Request for Decision
Resolution Required Pursuant to Ministerial Order No. M192-2020 (Local Government Meetings and Bylaw Process (COVID-19) Order No. 3)
On June 17, 2020, the Province issued Ministerial Order No. M192 (“M192”) which continues to authorize local governments to hold electronic meetings and public hearings, while encouraging the transition back to normal operations subject to any public health officer orders and recommendations which may be put in place as necessary. M192 replaced M139 that previously authorized local governments to hold meetings and hearings by electronic means and imposes further obligations on local governments to encourage in-person open meetings when possible. Therefore, as of June 17, 2020, the SSRHD may only exclude public attendance at an open meeting if, despite using best efforts, the SSRHD is unable to accommodate public attendance in a manner consistent with public health orders and recommendations. If a local government body does not allow public attendance, the body must pass a resolution stating the basis for not allowing public attendance and the means by which the Board is ensuring openness, transparency, accessibility and accountability in respect of the meeting.
On July 8, 2020, the COVID-19 Related Measures Act (the “Act”) came into force, which included (1) formalized provisions that were previously created in response to the pandemic, and (2) a mechanism for unwinding such provisions as appropriate after the provincial state of emergency ends. In the recently issued publication titled Electronic Meetings & Public Hearings – Considerations for Local Governments, the Act is described as providing:
“a temporary legal framework for Ministerial Orders and regulations made under the EPA in relation to the COVID-19 pandemic and allows the effects of some orders and regulations to continue after the state of emergency ends. The Act extends some of the Ministerial Orders for 45 days or 90 days after the date on which the last extension of the state of emergency expires or is cancelled (e.g. Order M192 extends for 90 days after). Given the expectation that some pandemic related limits and requirements are likely to continue even when the state of emergency under the EPA ends (such as limits on mass gatherings), the Act also provides the possibility, if required, for extension of COVID-19 related orders by up to one year after the Act is brought into force.”
On August 12, 2020, the Ministry of Municipal Affairs and Housing published a circular (the “Circular”) that provides much needed clarity regarding M192. In the Circular, the Province recognizes “that the capacity, technology and space available to local governments to conduct meetings in-person and/or electronically differs across the province and have therefore intended that Order M192 provide flexibility to local governments to decide what will work best for their community as they continue to reopen under Phase 3 of the BC Restart Plan”.
According to the Circular, there are several factors to consider when preparing to hold in-person meetings, including:
• the HVAC system or fresh air exchange (e.g. open windows/doors);
• posting the COVID-19 safety plan at the venue;
• establishing a process for collecting and safely retaining the first and last names and telephone number, or email address of every person who attends an open meeting in person;
3 Page 6 of 37 Request for Decision - Resolution Required Pursuant to Ministerial Order...
Request for Decision
Resolution Required Pursuant to Ministerial Order No. M192-2020 (Local Government Meetings and Bylaw Process (COVID-19) Order No. 3)
• the wearing of face masks by elected officials, staff and members of the public when physical distancing is not practical;
• having a greeter at the entrance informing the public about established safety protocols, including hand washing or sanitization, physical distancing and using a face mask where physical distancing is not practical or if they are concerned for their personal well-being;
• posting occupancy limits (no more than 50 persons) based on the PHO Order requirements and WorkSafeBC recommendation and guidelines;
• implementing separate entrances and exit points to control the flow of people through the venue; and
• ensuring washrooms are supplied with soap, water and drying materials so visitors can wash their hands. Limit the number of people at a time in public washrooms and establish how often cleaning and disinfection will take place.
Up until November 7, 2020, the SSRHD had been working towards a return, if possible, to in person meetings in a measured and cautious manner, and the Circular has provided helpful guidance in this regard. The publication titled “Electronic Meetings & Public Hearings – Considerations for Local Governments” (as mentioned above) also provides considerations and best practices for local governments on electronic meetings and electronic public hearings during the extended period of pandemic adaptation.
As previously reported, engineering controls (specifically plexiglass at the reception counter and at an adjacent staff work station) have been installed at the SLRD Administrative Office. Staff has also considered occupancy limits in the Boardroom. Based on allowing 5 square metres per person and the Boardroom size of 56 square metres and allowing 6 feet between people, the Boardroom could hold a total of 11 people, with a maximum of 3 of these people being members of the public.
Second Wave/Increased Transmission in Fall 2020 and Associated Public Health Orders
In early November 2020, there were concerning rates of transmission of COVID-19 in the province. With this surge, health officials have begun to make changes designed to reduce the spread of the disease. The Prevention Regional Measures Order dated November 10, 2020 includes the following regarding Workplace Safety:
“F. WORKPLACE SAFETY
1. Employers must review their COVID-19 Safety Plans to ensure that they adequately protect workers from the transmission of COVID-19 in the workplace and are consistent with WorkSafeBC requirements.
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Request for Decision
Resolution Required Pursuant to Ministerial Order No. M192-2020 (Local Government Meetings and Bylaw Process (COVID-19) Order No. 3)
2. An employer of a worker who is working in a workplace other than the worker’s private residence must ensure that the worker has done a daily health check for the symptoms of COVID-19.
3. If an employer is not satisfied that a worker has done a daily health check the employer must not permit the worker to work at the workplace.
4. Employers should encourage workers to work from their private residence if feasible, unless there is a preference on the part of the employer or the worker for the worker to work at the workplace.
5. Employers must ensure that their COVID-19 Safety Plan includes measures to prevent workers from crowding together or congregating in higher risk spaces, including elevators, lobbies, stairwells, corridors, bathrooms, break rooms and kitchens.”
On November 24, 2020, Ministerial Order No. 425 was put in place, requiring masks to be worn by all British Columbians, 12 years and older unless otherwise exempted, in many indoor public settings, including common areas of office buildings and common areas of sport and fitness centres when not engaged in physical activity.
The SLRD’s applicable administrative policies have been updated to take into account these measures, including the daily health screening for the core staff members that continue to work at the SLRD Administrative Office. There was a further reduction of core staff workers at the office, with staff members being deployed to work remotely.
CAO Helmer has completed a review of the SLRD’s COVID-19 Safety Plan; it reflects the updated administrative policies and will be further reviewed if/as needed.
Developments regarding Public Attendance at Board Meetings, PHO Order on Gatherings and Events, and other Orders
Among many other prohibitions and restrictions, the current Order of the Public Health Officer on Gatherings and Events prohibits in person attendance at board meetings and does not have an expiration date (this specific prohibition regarding in person attendance at board meetings has been in place since December 2020). As a result of this specific prohibition, staff is currently not required to make best efforts to enable in person public participation.
(The first Recommendation on page 1 of this staff report reflects these current circumstances. The second Recommendation on page 1 of this staff report identifies measures that are already underway as well as measures intended to increase the principles of openness, transparency, accessibility and accountability.)
On March 29, 2021, due to the exponential increase in COVID-19 case counts and the impact to the provincial acute health care system, the Province announced new province-wide restrictions effective March 30, 2021 to April 19, 2021 inclusive. The new restrictions include the following:
5 Page 8 of 37 Request for Decision - Resolution Required Pursuant to Ministerial Order...
Request for Decision
Resolution Required Pursuant to Ministerial Order No. M192-2020 (Local Government Meetings and Bylaw Process (COVID-19) Order No. 3)
• Indoor dining at restaurants, pubs and bars is paused (outdoor patio seating and take-out delivery is allowed); • Indoor low intensity group fitness activities are paused; • Indoor religious worship is suspended; and • Closure of Whistler Blackcomb ski resort.
A few days after the announcement of these restrictions, Whistler Blackcomb announced that the mountain was closing for the rest of the spring skiing season and would re-open for summer operations in May.
The Province subsequently extended the above April 19, 2021 circuit breaker deadline to May 25, 2021.
On December 16, 2020, the Province expanded provincial COVID-19 ticket enforcement and workplace safety measures, including the enhancement of WorkSafeBC’s inspection presence in workplaces (particularly in sectors where COVID-19 transmission is occurring). On March 25, 2021, the Province increased the fine for promoting or attending a non-compliant social gathering or event from $230 to $575. The fine for those who organize or host a prohibited event remains at $2,300.
Expedited Workplace Closure Order
On April 11, 2021, the Provincial Health Officer announced the delegation of specific powers granted by the Public Health Act to WorkSafeBC to implement an "expedited workplace closure order", allowing WorkSafeBC prevention officers to shut down a workplace for a period of 10 days or longer, if needed, on the advice of public health if COVID-19 transmission is occurring in the workplace.
CAO Helmer is in the process of assessing the potential impacts of this new order on the continuity of local government operations.
Travel Restrictions (COVID-19) Order
On Friday April 23, 2021 the Minister of Public Safety and Solicitor General announced a new order under the Emergency Program Act (Ministerial Order M182) restricting non-essential travel into or out of all Health Authorities in British Columbia. The three Health Authorities, or regional zones, are: 1. Lower Mainland and Fraser Valley (Fraser Health and Coastal Health regions) 2. Vancouver Island (Island Health region) 3. Northern/Interior (Interior Health and Northern Health regions)
The Travel Restrictions (COVID-19) Order will remain in effect until May 25, 2021 (after the May long weekend). The Order is intended to discourage and stop recreational and leisure travel between regions and not to punish people or unfairly or disproportionately impact communities in the province. The Order will be enforced in the same manner that all COVID-19 related Orders have been to date which prioritizes education and awareness and exercises enforcement action by way of issuing a violation ticket only in those circumstances where it is warranted. Fine
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Request for Decision
Resolution Required Pursuant to Ministerial Order No. M192-2020 (Local Government Meetings and Bylaw Process (COVID-19) Order No. 3)
amounts are $575 and $230 for failing to comply with travel restrictions, and for abusive or belligerent behaviour, respectively. The order does not provide police with authority to engage in arbitrary vehicle or street checks, however site-specific road checks on travel corridors between regions are authorized. During these site-specific road checks, police will only have the authority to request:
• a driver’s name, address and driver’s licence; • any available documentation regarding driver’s name and address (for example, secondary identification that confirms a driver’s residential address if recently moved); and • the purpose of the driver’s travel (documentation regarding travel is not required).
BC Government Vaccination Plan
The timeline for B.C.’s COVID-19 Immunization Plan is dependent on vaccine supply and availability. According to the provincial government’s COVID-19 Vaccination Plan, second doses will be administered approximately 16 weeks after dose one. Phase 4 is now underway. Phase 4 Includes people aged 59 to 18, in five-year age increments, distributed throughout May and June 2021.
In addition, frontline and essential workers (i.e. police officers, firefighters and educational staff with a direct invitation from their employer) and targeted groups are currently being vaccinated. On May 5, 2021, Vancouver Coastal Health also announced that all Bylaw and other enforcement officers, park rangers, and inspectors employed by municipalities or regional districts in the Vancouver Coastal Health region were eligible to book their first dose vaccination appointment.
On May 5, 2021, Health Canada has approved the use of the Pfizer vaccine in children aged 12 to 15. Prior to this approval, the minimum age was 16 years.
The Province has not yet announced details regarding how and when the 12 to 18 year old age group will be vaccinated (details are expected on May 20, 2021). Everyone between the ages of 12 and 18 can now register for vaccinations via the Get Vaccinated BC webpage.
Use of Third-Party Applications for Maintaining Operations & Activities of the SLRD
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Request for Decision
Resolution Required Pursuant to Ministerial Order No. M192-2020 (Local Government Meetings and Bylaw Process (COVID-19) Order No. 3)
On December 1, 2020, the Province issued Ministerial Order M431 which authorizes public bodies to disclose personal information outside of Canada to enable the use of applications (such as Zoom) during the COVID 19 pandemic until May 31, 2021. In the event that the Province does not extend the deadline of this Ministerial Order, SLRD staff is in the process of reviewing options to ensure that the SLRD can be in compliance with privacy legislation while continuing to provide the facilities for virtual meetings if required.
On May 12, 2021 the Province announced that Order M431 is extended until December 31, 2021. B.C. is one of two Canadian provinces requiring the personal information of its residents to be stored in – and only accessed from – Canada. This requirement would normally prohibit the use of communication and collaboration software proven vital to the SLRD’s delivery of virtual meetings. The Ministry of Citizens’ Services and the Office of the Information and Privacy Commissioner will remain involved as this Order is reviewed ahead of its expiry; SLRD staff will continue to be guided by this Order and any subsequent updates.
Pending Legislative Amendments to Local Government Act
For now, local governments are able to continue to rely on M192 (i.e. the temporary authorities that it provides in respect of convening meetings without the public being present and the convening of electronic meetings and public hearings). However, on May 13, 2021, the provincial government introduced legislative amendments that, among other changes, will provide local governments with permanent authorities to hold electronic meetings and public hearings. The amendments pertaining to electronic meetings and public hearings are expected to be brought into force by regulation once the pandemic has eased. The Ministry of Municipal Affairs will issue an Information Circular in the coming months, which will provide more guidance and information regarding these amendments. Staff will continue to monitor these developments and will bring a report to a future Board meeting regarding impacts on SLRD bylaws and policies.
Recent Reported Case Counts
The reported daily positive COVID-19 tests in recent days have been as follows:
Date Number of Reported Positive COVID-19 Tests in B.C. May 1, 2021 835 May 2, 2021 671 May 3, 2021 668 May 4, 2021 697 May 5, 2021 572 May 6, 2021 694 May 7, 2021 722 May 8, 2021 596 May 9, 2021 605 May 10, 2021 558 May 11, 2021 515 May 12, 2021 600 May 13, 2021 587 8 Page 11 of 37 Request for Decision - Resolution Required Pursuant to Ministerial Order...
Request for Decision
Resolution Required Pursuant to Ministerial Order No. M192-2020 (Local Government Meetings and Bylaw Process (COVID-19) Order No. 3)
May 14, 2021 494 May 15, 2021 443 May 16, 2021 493 May 17, 2021 424 May 18, 2021 411 May 19, 2021 521
According to the Province's COVID-19 Dashboard, as of end of day May 19, 2021, the total number of active cases was 4,815, with 340 people in hospital 118 of which are in Critical Care).
SLRD Reopening Plan
At the October 28/29, 2020 SLRD Board meeting, the SLRD Board approved an updated version of the Policy to Approve the SLRD Reopening Plan No. 24-2020 (the “Policy”). The Policy is available on the SLRD website here: SLRD Reopening Plan No. 24-2020 - Version #2
On September 11, 2020, the SLRD moved into a phased approach of Stage 2 of the SLRD COVID-19 Reopening Plan. Whereas Stage 2 consists of (1) limited public access to the Office and (2) in-person attendance by members of the public at Board meetings, the Chief Administrative Officer has determined that it is only possible at this time to provide (1) limited public access to the Office. Thus, a phased approach to Stage 2 has been adopted – this is Stage 2A. The scope of Stage 2A Operations is characterized by a partial and restricted re- opening of the Office, as follows:
• To allow for restricted reception/front counter services (in accordance with applicable WorkSafe guidelines), from Monday to Friday from 8:00 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. with an hour lunch closure. (For clarity, the preferred method for document delivery remains to be by electronic transmission, regular mail or Canada Post courier);
• In all other respects, SLRD operations continue in accordance with Stage 1 Operations described in the table below.
Summary of the SLRD Reopening Plan:
Start Date Public Access to In-Person Public Employees Office Attendance at Board Meetings
Stage 1 March 19, None None Small core team 2020 until remaining in the Office,
September 10, with remainder of 2020 employees working from home. Stage 2A September 11, Partial, restricted None Same as Stage 1 above. 2020 until reception/front further notice counter services (with engineering controls and other 9 Page 12 of 37 Request for Decision - Resolution Required Pursuant to Ministerial Order...
Request for Decision
Resolution Required Pursuant to Ministerial Order No. M192-2020 (Local Government Meetings and Bylaw Process (COVID-19) Order No. 3)
(in progress) measures as required) Stage 2B To be Partial, restricted Yes, as per Same as Stage 1 above determined reception/front Ministerial Order No. counter services M192 (with engineering controls and other (if possible) measures as required) Stage 3 To be determined Stage 4 Expected to be aligned with Phase 4 of the BC Restart Plan
Options
(1) Approve the Recommendations as set out above (Preferred Option). (2) Make revisions to the Recommendations. (3) Other, as per Board direction.
Follow-Up Action
If the Recommendations are approved, staff will continue to monitor the guidance being provided by public health officials in determining when in person Board and Committee meetings can be convened.
Submitted by: Monica Halitzki, Human Resources Manager Reviewed by: Kristen Clark, Director of Legislative and Corporate Services Approved by: Melany Helmer, Chief Administrative Officer
10 Page 13 of 37 Sea to Sky Regional Hospital District Board Draft Meeting Minutes of Apr... These minutes are in draft form only and are subject to approval by the Board at the next regularly scheduled Board meeting, and they are provided in draft form pursuant to the Board resolution dated December 16, 2020. DRAFT Sea to Sky Regional Hospital District Board Minutes April 21, 2021; 2:00 PM Virtual Meeting Held via Zoom Pursuant to Ministerial Orders M192 and M431
In Attendance:
Board: J. Ford, Chair (Whistler); K. Elliott, Vice-Chair (Squamish); R. Mack (Area C); M. Richman (Pemberton); J. Stoner (Squamish); C. Jewett (Alternate - Whistler)
Staff: M. Helmer, Chief Administrative Officer (Deputy Corporate Officer); K. Clark, Director of Legislative and Corporate Services (Corporate Officer); S. Lafrance, Director of Finance; P. Campbell, Project and Research Coordinator
Delegation: Dr. James Cranston, Diamond Head Medical Clinic
1. Call to Order
The meeting was called to order at 2:31 PM.
The Chair recognized that collectively we are on the unceded territories of all of the First Nations within our regional boundaries.
2. Approval of Agenda
It was moved and seconded:
THAT the following be added to the agenda after Item 13.
Sea to Sky Regional Hospital District Board Closed Meeting
THAT the Board close the meeting to the public under the authority of Section 90(1)(c) of the Community Charter.
90(1)(c) labour relations or other employee relations; (personnel)
THAT the agenda be approved as amended. CARRIED
3. Special Staff Report
3.1. Request for Decision - Resolution Required Pursuant to Ministerial Order No.DRAFT M192-2020 (Local Government Meetings and Bylaw Process (COVID- 19) Order No. 3) (Unweighted All Vote)
It was moved and seconded:
THAT the Sea to Sky Regional Hospital District is excluding in-person public attendance at this April 21, 2021 meeting on the basis of the Order of the Public
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Health Officer on Gatherings and Events dated December 2, 2020 which prohibits in person attendance at board meetings.
THAT pursuant to Ministerial Order No. M192, the Sea to Sky Regional Hospital District will continue to meet the principles of openness, transparency, accessibility and accountability in the current circumstances by the following means:
• continuing to livestream this meeting, enabling the public to watch in real time;
• continuing to post an archived video of this meeting on the Squamish- Lillooet Regional District (SLRD) website, for viewing by the public on an on demand basis;
• continuing to reflect disconnections and re-connections of Directors due to technology issues in the meeting minutes;
• continuing to provide information to the public on how they can review agendas and meeting minutes;
• continuing to provide public notice of meetings;
• continuing to assign specific start times for agenda items that are likely to be controversial or attract high public interest;
• posting of draft minutes of this meeting on the SLRD website as soon as they are approved by the Chair and prior to being adopted by the Board at the subsequent Board meeting; and
• allowing additional time on the agenda to resolve technical issues and lags when admitting staff members into meetings.
CARRIED
4. Delegation (2:30 PM)
4.1. Dr. James Cranston, Diamond Head Medical Clinic, A CT for Squamish Committee • Request for funding and a letter of support
It was moved and seconded:
THAT a letter be provided to Vancouver Coastal Health to advise that the Board:
(1) supports in principle a Computed Tomography (CT) at the Squamish DRAFTGeneral Hospital; and
(2) will be considering funding options for this proposed initiative as part of its 2022 budgeting process.
THAT the funding request for a Computed Tomography (CT) at the Squamish General Hospital be referred to the 2022 budgeting process.
CARRIED
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5. Consent Agenda (Voting rule on each item may vary; unanimous vote required)
It was moved and seconded:
THAT the resolution set out in the Consent Agenda be approved.
5.1. Approval and Receipt of Minutes
5.1.1. Sea to Sky Regional Hospital District Board Draft Meeting Minutes of February 24, 2021
THAT the Sea to Sky Regional Hospital District Board Meeting Minutes of February 24, 2021 be approved as circulated.
CARRIED
6. Business Arising from the Minutes
None
7. Staff Reports & Other Business (Unweighted All Vote, except as noted)
7.1. CAO Verbal Update
None
The Board agreed to move Item 7.2. Request for Decision - Approval of 2020 Sea to Sky Regional Hospital District Audited Financial Statements to be heard later in the agenda.
8. Director's Reports
8.1. Chair's Verbal Report • COVID Vaccine Clinics
9. Correspondence for Action
9.1. Letter from Brenda McLeod - COVID Vaccine Program in Sea to Sky Corridor
It was moved and seconded:
THAT Letter from Brenda McLeod - COVID Vaccine Program in Sea to Sky CorridorDRAFT be received and that Ms. McLeod be advised of this.
CARRIED
10. Correspondence for Information
10.1. Peace River Regional Hospital District - Letters to Ministers - Regional Hospital Boards - Responsibility for Capital Costs
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It was moved and seconded:
THAT Peace River Regional Hospital District - Letters to Ministers - Regional Hospital Boards - Responsibility for Capital Costs be received
CARRIED
11. Decision on Late Business (2/3 majority vote)
None
12. Late Business
N/A
13. Director’s Notice of Motion
None
Sea to Sky Regional Hospital District Board Closed Meeting
It was moved and seconded:
THAT the Board close the meeting to the public under the authority of Section 90(1)(c) of the Community Charter and there will be a short recess before convening the closed meeting.
90(1)(c) labour relations or other employee relations; (personnel)
CARRIED
The meeting was closed to the public at 2:59 PM. The meeting was re-opened to the public at 3:14 PM.
7. Staff Reports & Other Business (continued) (Unweighted All Vote, except as noted)
7.2. Request for Decision - Approval of 2020 Sea to Sky Regional Hospital District Audited Financial Statements
It was moved and seconded:
THAT the Sea to Sky Regional Hospital District 2020 Audited Financial Statements be approved as presented; and DRAFT THAT the Chair and Treasurer be authorized to sign the Sea to Sky Regional Hospital District 2020 Audited Financial Statements.
CARRIED
Page 17 of 37 Sea to Sky Regional Hospital District Board Draft Meeting Minutes of Apr... Page 5 of 5 of the minutes of the Sea to Sky Regional Hospital District Board meeting, held on Wednesday, April 21, 2021 in a Virtual Meeting Held via Zoom Pursuant to Ministerial Orders M192 and M431.
14. Adjournment
It was moved and seconded:
THAT the meeting be adjourned. CARRIED
The meeting was adjourned at 3:15 PM.
Certified Correct:
J. Ford, Chair K. Clark, Corporate Officer
DRAFT
Page 18 of 37 Vancouver Coastal Health - Next Step Taken for New Acute-Care Patient To...
UPDATE For Immediate Release Ministry of Health 2021HLTH0104-000964 Vancouver Coastal Health May 19, 2021 Next step taken for new acute-care patient tower at LGH
VANCOUVER ʹPeople on the North Shore and surrounding area are one step closer to accessing a new acute-care patient tower at Lions Gate Hospital (LGH), as the project moves forward with the selection of a preferred proponent.
͞With the selection of a preferred proponent for the design-build contract, we are now one step closer to getting shovels in the ground for the new acute-care tower at LGH,͟said Adrian Dix, Minister of Health. ͞Our government is proud to move forward on our promise to British Columbians to deliver a new tower at LGH so that residents on the North Shore can access state-of-the-art, quality public health care.͟
Vancouver Coastal Health received proposals from two shortlisted proponents for the design- build contract to build the tower. As a result of the evaluation process, in co-ordination with Vancouver Coastal Health and Infrastructure BC, PCL Constructors West Coast Inc. was selected as the successful proponent. The official name for the new tower will be the Paul Myers Tower.
͞This pandemic has brought to light how important it is for our communities to have access to high-quality health-care facilities,͟said Bowinn Ma, MLA for North Vancouver-Lonsdale. ͞The Paul Myers Tower has been made possible through generous community contributions as well as provincial government investments and will be a testament to our collective commitment to delivering better care for British Columbians.͟
Vivian Eliopoulos, interim president and CEO, Vancouver Coastal Health, said: ͞We͛re pleased to take this step forward in the development of a new acute-care tower at LGH, which will help enable improved access to care for residents on the North Shore and in coastal communities. The patient-centred design will enhance the experience of patients and families living in the region and surrounding Indigenous communities.͟
Susie Chant, MLA for North Vancouver-Seymour, said: ͞I have personal experience working as a registered nurse team leader in community care with Vancouver Coastal Health on the North Shore, and I absolutely recognize the need for new and enhanced services to meet growing needs. This is a much-needed improvement to health care here, and to all the regional areas this hospital supports, and I͛m proud to be a part of the progress.͟
The new acute-care facility will replace aging infrastructure and will be a high-tech facility. It will serve as the hub for acute and virtual services for people on the North Shore and throughout the coastal region.
The facility will feature eight new operating rooms, a new pre-operative and post-operative care area (including anesthesia intervention and isolation rooms), 108 single-patient rooms with ensuite bathrooms, a telehealth centre and a primary care centre to give residents
Page 19 of 37 Vancouver Coastal Health - Next Step Taken for New Acute-Care Patient To... without a family doctor faster access to non-acute services. Construction is expected to begin in mid-2021.
͞This is a very exciting step forward for our community, and one that comes down to generosity of spirit,͟said Judy Savage, president and CEO, LGH Foundation. ͞We͛re so grateful to Paul Myers for his inspirational lead gift, which served as a catalyst in rallying together the more than 6,400 members of our community who so generously supported our campaign to build the new tower at LGH.͟
The project budget of $310 million is cost-shared between the Province, Vancouver Coastal Health and a $100-million fundraising campaign by Lions Gate Hospital Foundation. The new acute-care facility will be named after North Shore businessman and philanthropist Paul Myers, who donated $25 million to the foundation͛s $100-million campaign.
LGH provides a full range of general and many specialized acute-care services. The hospital is a recognized trauma centre and has 254 beds, eight operating rooms and a variety of diagnostic services and equipment. It is the fourth-busiest hospital in Vancouver and one of only five neurosurgery centres in British Columbia.
The hospital is part of Vancouver Coastal Health, the governing authority for several coastal communities including Vancouver and North and West Vancouver. Vancouver Coastal Health provides a full range of health-care services, ranging from hospital treatment to community- based long-term care, home health, mental health and public health services.
Contacts: Ministry of Health Vancouver Coastal Health Communications 604 202-2012 (media line) 250 952-1887 (media line)
Connect with the Province of B.C. at: news.gov.bc.ca/connect
Page 20 of 37 Request for Decision - Letter to the Honourable Adrian Dix, Minister of ...
Request for Decision
Letter to the Honourable Adrian Dix, Minister of Health
Date of Meeting: Sea to Sky Regional Hospital District Board – May 26, 2021
Recommendations:
THAT the attached draft letter with respect to revisions to the Hospital District Act be sent to the Honourable Adrian Dix, Minister of Health and that the SSRHD Chair be authorized to sign it.
Background:
The Sea to Sky Regional Hospital District Board has discussed the need for updates to the Hospital District Act. There is a desire to be more actively engaged in the decisions around medical service delivery in the hospital district and local prioritization of funds levied. The Ministry of Health in 2016 indicated that the Ministry would seek to consult with Regional Hospital Districts in relation to amendments to the Hospital District Act. To date, this consultation has not yet occurred. A letter has been drafted identifying the discussion points raised by Regional Hospital Districts (RHD’s) to urge the Minister to prioritize revision of the Hospital District Act and engage with RHD’s as part of that process.
Options:
Option 1 (PREFERRED) Approve the attached letter and authorize Chair Ford to sign it. Option 2 Not issue a letter.
Option 3 Other direction as determined by Board.
Follow-Up Action:
If Option 1 is chosen, staff will forward the letter to Minister Dix after it is signed by the Chair.
Attachment:
1. Draft letter from the SSRHD to the Honourable Adrian Dix, Minister of Health
Submitted by: Melany Helmer, Chief Administrative Officer
Page 21 of 37 Request for Decision - Letter to the Honourable Adrian Dix, Minister of ...
Box 219, 1350 Aster Street Pemberton, BC V0N 2L0 P. 604-894-6371 TF. 800-298-7753 F. 604-894-6526 [email protected] www.slrd.bc.ca
Date
BY EMAIL ONLY ([email protected])
Honourable Adrian Dix Minister of Health
Dear Honourable Adrian Dix:
RE: Revisions to Hospital District Act (HDA)
On behalf of the Sea to Sky Regional Hospital District Board (SSRHD) we are raising concerns regarding current Hospital District Act (HDA) legislation and the need for it to be updated. We understand from our colleagues and partners that there has been a variety of correspondence with the Ministry of Health on this issue since the 2003 Ministry of Health review and the issue is only becoming of greater concern.
In 2016, Deputy Minister Brown agreed amendments to the HDA would bring it into closer alignment with current practices and policies, noting that the Ministry would seek to consult with Regional Hospital Districts (RHDs) likely in 2017 or 2018. Regrettably the SSRHD has not been engaged on this matter to date.
Specific concerns and suggested amendments raised by RHDs thus far include:
• Eliminating the need for Ministry sign off on designation of facilities that can be cost-shared by RHDs;
• Eliminating the need for consultation with the Ministry on capital bylaws;
• Providing RHD Boards with the power to designate signing authority to staff, similar to Regional District legislation;
• Matching funding eligibility language around projects and operational needs to current practices; and
• Broadening restrictive language of “hospitals and hospital facilities”.
• Provisions to reduce RHD share in special circumstances such as funding a tertiary care facility with a broad spectrum serving multiple regions
Page 22 of 37
Request for Decision - Letter to the Honourable Adrian Dix, Minister of ... – 2 –
We feel this would serve to increase our efficiencies, meet the increasing demand on our funding and administrative resources and strengthen our relationship with health care partners in British Columbia. In moving forward, we ask that the Minister work with RHDs on planning a session to discuss HDA amendments as a priority in 2021. Specifically, we request the RHD representatives be included in the legislative review.
Thank you for attention to our request.
Regards,
Jen Ford, Chair, Sea to Sky Regional Hospital District Board
CC: (via Email only) SSRHD Board M. Helmer, Chief Administrative Officer, Squamish-Lillooet Regional District)
Members: District of Squamish, Resort Municipality of Whistler, Village of Pemberton, District of Lillooet, Electoral Areas A, B, C, and D
Page 23 of 37
Information Report - Sea to Sky Regional Hospital District, 2020 Audited...
Information Report
Sea to Sky Regional Hospital District, 2020 Audited Financial Statements with Auditor’s Report
Date of Meeting: Board of Directors – May 26, 2021
Recommendations:
THAT the Sea to Sky Regional Hospital District 2020 Financial Statements with auditor’s report be received.
Background:
At the Board meeting on April 21, 2021, the Board passed the following resolutions:
THAT the Sea to Sky Regional Hospital District 2020 Audited Financial Statements be approved as presented; and
THAT the Chair and Treasurer be authorized to sign the Sea to Sky Regional Hospital District 2020 Audited Financial Statements.
The auditor’s report has been provided, and the signed Sea to Sky Regional Hospital District 2020 Financial Statements with auditor’s report are attached.
Submitted by: Suzanne Lafrance, Director of Finance Approved by: Melany Helmer, CAO
Page 24 of 37 Information Report - Sea to Sky Regional Hospital District, 2020 Audited...
Financial Statements For the year ended December 31, 2020
Page 25 of 37 Information Report - Sea to Sky Regional Hospital District, 2020 Audited...
Sea to Sky Regional Hospital District Financial Statements For the year ended December 31, 2020
Contents
Management Responsibility Report 2
Independent Auditor's Report 3-4
Financial Statements
Statement of Financial Position 5
Statement of Operations 6
Statement of Cash Flows 7
Statement of Changes in Net Debt 8
Notes to the Financial Statements 9-11
Page 26 of 37 Information Report - Sea to Sky Regional Hospital District, 2020 Audited...
Statement of Management Responsibility
The 2020 financial statements have been prepared by Regional District staff and are the responsibility of management. Management’s responsibilities also include maintaining a system of internal controls for financial statement reliability purposes and for the protection of the Regional Hospital District’s assets. The financial statements have been prepared in accordance with Canadian public sector accounting standards.
The Board of the Regional Hospital District has approved these financial statements at their Board meeting of April 21, 2021.
BDO Canada LLP, the Regional Hospital District’s independent external auditors, have examined the Regional Hospital District's financial statements in accordance with generally accepted auditing standards. In their opinion, as expressed in their audit report, the Regional Hospital District's financial statements present fairly in all material respects the financial position of the Regional Hospital District as at December 31, 2020, and the results of operations and cash flows for the year then ended.
Suzanne Lafrance Director of Finance [April 21, 2021]
Page 27 of 37 Information Report - Sea to Sky Regional Hospital District, 2020 Audited...
Tel: 604-932-3799 BDO Canada LLP Fax: 604-932-3764 202-1200 Alpha Lake Road www.bdo.ca Whistler, BC V8E 0H6
Independent Auditor’s Report
To the Board of Directors of the Sea to Sky Regional Hospital District
Opinion We have audited the financial statements of Sea to Sky Regional Hospital District (the “Regional Hospital District”), which comprise the Statement of Financial Position as at December 31, 2020, and the Statements of Operations, Cash Flows, and Changes in Net Debt for the year then ended, and notes to the financial statements, including a summary of significant accounting policies. In our opinion, the accompanying financial statements present fairly, in all material respects, the financial position of the Regional Hospital District as at December 31, 2020, and its results of operations, its change in net debt, and its cash flows for the year then ended in accordance with Canadian public sector accounting standards.
Basis for Opinion We conducted our audit in accordance with Canadian generally accepted auditing standards. Our responsibilities under those standards are further described in the Auditor’s Responsibilities for the Audit of the Financial Statements section of our report. We are independent of the Regional Hospital District in accordance with the ethical requirements that are relevant to our audit of the financial statements in Canada, and we have fulfilled our other ethical responsibilities in accordance with these requirements. We believe that the audit evidence we have obtained is sufficient and appropriate to provide a basis for our opinion.
Responsibilities of Management and Those Charged with Governance for the Financial Statements Management is responsible for the preparation and fair presentation of these financial statements in accordance with Canadian public sector accounting standards, and for such internal control as management determines is necessary to enable the preparation of financial statements that are free from material misstatement, whether due to fraud or error. In preparing the financial statements, management is responsible for assessing the Regional Hospital District’s ability to continue as a going concern, disclosing, as applicable, matters related to going concern and using the going concern basis of accounting unless management either intends to liquidate the Regional Hospital District or to cease operations, or has no realistic alternative but to do so. Those charged with governance are responsible for overseeing the Regional Hospital District’s financial reporting process.
Auditor’s Responsibilities for the Audit of the Financial Statements Our objectives are to obtain reasonable assurance about whether the financial statements as a whole are free from material misstatement, whether due to fraud or error, and to issue an auditor’s report that includes our opinion. Reasonable assurance is a high level of assurance, but is not a guarantee that an audit conducted in accordance with Canadian generally accepted auditing standards will always detect a material misstatement when it exists. Misstatements can arise from fraud or error and are considered material if, individually or in the aggregate, they could reasonably be expected to influence the economic decisions of users taken on the basis of these financial statements.
BDO Canada LLP, a Canadian limited liability partnership, is a member of BDO International Limited, a UK company limited by guarantee, and forms part of the international BDO network of independent member firms. Page 28 of 37 Information Report - Sea to Sky Regional Hospital District, 2020 Audited...
Tel: 604-932-3799 BDO Canada LLP Fax: 604-932-3764 202-1200 Alpha Lake Road www.bdo.ca Whistler, BC V8E 0H6
As part of an audit in accordance with Canadian generally accepted auditing standards, we exercise professional judgment and maintain professional skepticism throughout the audit. We also: Identify and assess the risks of material misstatement of the financial statements, whether due to fraud or error, design and perform audit procedures responsive to those risks, and obtain audit evidence that is sufficient and appropriate to provide a basis for our opinion. The risk of not detecting a material misstatement resulting from fraud is higher than for one resulting from error, as fraud may involve collusion, forgery, intentional omissions, misrepresentations, or the override of internal control. Obtain an understanding of internal control relevant to the audit in order to design audit procedures that are appropriate in the circumstances, but not for the purpose of expressing an opinion on the effectiveness of the Regional Hospital District’s internal control. Evaluate the appropriateness of accounting policies used and the reasonableness of accounting estimates and related disclosures made by management. Conclude on the appropriateness of management’s use of the going concern basis of accounting and, based on the audit evidence obtained, whether a material uncertainty exists related to events or conditions that may cast significant doubt on the Regional Hospital District’s ability to continue as a going concern. If we conclude that a material uncertainty exists, we are required to draw attention in our auditor’s report to the related disclosures in the financial statements or, if such disclosures are inadequate, to modify our opinion. Our conclusions are based on the audit evidence obtained up to the date of our auditor’s report. However, future events or conditions may cause the Regional Hospital District to cease to continue as a going concern. Evaluate the overall presentation, structure and content of the financial statements, including the disclosures, and whether the financial statements represent the underlying transactions and events in a manner that achieves fair presentation. We communicate with those charged with governance regarding, among other matters, the planned scope and timing of the audit and significant audit findings, including any significant deficiencies in internal control that we identify during our audit.
Chartered Professional Accountants Whistler, British Columbia April 23, 2021
BDO Canada LLP, a Canadian limited liability partnership, is a member of BDO International Limited, a UK company limited by guarantee, and forms part of the international BDO network of independent member firms. Page 29 of 37 Information Report - Sea to Sky Regional Hospital District, 2020 Audited...
Sea to Sky Regional Hospital District Statement of Financial Position
As at December 31 2020 2019
Financial Assets
Cash and Cash Equivalents (Note 3) $ 1,392,108 $ 819,570 Accounts Receivable 37,858 31,197 Sinking Funds Held by MFA 102,409 100,344
1,532,375 951,111
Liabilities
Accounts Payable $ 4,539 $ 6,935 MFA Long-term Debt (Note 4) 4,052,170 4,420,345
4,056,709 4,427,280
Net Debt and Accumulated Deficiency (Note 5) $ (2,524,334) $ (3,476,169)
Approved by:
Treasurer
Chair
The accompanying summary of significant accounting policies and notes are an integral part of these financial statements
Page 30 of 37 5 Information Report - Sea to Sky Regional Hospital District, 2020 Audited...
Sea to Sky Regional Hospital District Statement of Operations
Budget For the year ended December 31 2020 2020 2019 (Note 6) Revenue
Requisition 1,050,589 1,050,589 1,050,589 Interest/Investment Income 9,500 6,679 9,887 Debenture Refund and Actuarial Earnings - 121,514 107,766 Actuarial Accrual - 6,661 31,193 Payments In Lieu of Taxes 550 238 655
1,060,639 1,185,681 1,200,090
Expenses
Administration Charges 2,500 2,720 2,822 Bank Charges 250 78 130 Miscellaneous Operating Cost 13,525 10,843 10,947 Section 20(3) Expenditures - Capital Equipment 278,111 53,557 311,190 Interest 166,648 166,648 280,199
461,034 233,846 605,288
Annual Surplus 599,605 951,835 594,802
Accumulated Deficiency, beginning of year (3,476,169) (3,476,169) (4,070,971)
Accumulated Deficiency, end of year $ (2,876,564) $ (2,524,334) $ (3,476,169)
The accompanying summary of significant accounting policies and notes are an integral part of these financial statements
Page 31 of 37 6 Information Report - Sea to Sky Regional Hospital District, 2020 Audited...
Sea to Sky Regional Hospital District Statement of Cash Flows
2020 2019
Cash provided by (used in)
Operating Transactions
Annual Surplus $ 951,835 $ 594,802
Non Cash Items Debenture Refund and Actuarial Earnings (121,514) (107,766)
Changes in Non-cash Operating Balances Accounts Receivable (6,661) (31,167) Accounts Payable (2,396) (10,866)
821,264 445,003
Financing Transactions
Principal Payments (248,726) (248,726)
Increase in cash and cash equivalents for the year 572,538 196,277
Cash and cash equivalents, beginning of year 819,570 623,293
Cash and cash equivalents, end of year $ 1,392,108 $ 819,570
The accompanying summary of significant accounting policies and notes are an integral part of these financial statements
Page 32 of 37 7 Information Report - Sea to Sky Regional Hospital District, 2020 Audited...
Sea to Sky Regional Hospital District Statement of Changes in Net Debt
As at December 31 Budget 2020 2020 2019 (Note 6)
Annual Surplus $ 599,605 $ 951,835 $ 594,802
Net Debt, beginning of the year (3,476,169) (3,476,169) (4,070,971)
Net Debt, end of year $ (2,876,564) $ (2,524,334) $ (3,476,169)
The accompanying summary of significant accounting policies and notes are an integral part of these financial statements
Page 33 of 37 8 Information Report - Sea to Sky Regional Hospital District, 2020 Audited...
Sea to Sky Regional Hospital District Notes to the Financial Statements For the year ended December 31, 2020
1. Incorporation
The Sea to Sky Regional Hospital District was established by an Order of the Lieutenant Governor in Council on November 19, 1998 and effectively commenced operations on January 1, 1999. The Regional Hospital District raises funds through requisition of taxes from property owners within its geographical boundaries. These revenues are used to fund capital equipment purchases for hospitals in the area through local community health authorities. The Regional Hospital District is not subject to income taxes.
2. Significant Accounting Policies
The Regional Hospital District is responsible for the preparation and fair presentation of the financial statements in accordance with Canadian public sector accounting standards (PSAS) of the Chartered Professional Accountants Canada. Significant principles are as follows: (i) Cash and Cash Equivalents Cash consists of cash on hand, cash in transit, and cash on deposit. Cash equivalents are short-term investments made to obtain a return on a temporary basis and are carried at the lower of cost or market value. (ii) Revenue Recognition Sources of revenue are recorded on the accrual basis and recognized in the period in which they are earned. (iii) Government Transfers Government transfers, which include legislative grants, are recognized as revenue in the financial statements when the transfer is authorized and any eligibility criteria are met, except to the extent that transfer stipulations give rise to an obligation that meets the definition of a liability. Transfers are recognized as deferred revenue when transfer stipulations give rise to a liability. Transfer revenue is recognized in the statement of operations as the stipulation liabilities are settled. (iv) Requisition Revenue Each Municipality and Electoral Area within the Regional Hospital District is requisitioned for their portion of the Sea to Sky Regional Hospital District service. These funds are then levied by the Municipalities and the Province (for Electoral Areas) to individual taxpayers and turned over to the Regional Hospital District by August 1 of each year and are recorded as revenue in the calender year to which they are related. Levies imposed by other taxing authorities are not included as taxes for Regional Hospital District purposes. (v) Financial Instruments The Regional Hospital District’s financial instruments consist of cash and cash equivalents, accounts receivable, sinking funds held by Municipal Finance Authority of BC (MFA BC), long-term debt and accounts payable. Financial instruments are carried at cost. Unless otherwise indicated, it is management's opinion that the Regional Hospital District is not exposed to any significant interest, credit or currency risks arising from these financial instruments.
Page 34 of 37 9 Information Report - Sea to Sky Regional Hospital District, 2020 Audited...
Sea to Sky Regional Hospital District Notes to the Financial Statements For the year ended December 31, 2020
3. Investments
At December 31 2020 2019 MFA BC-CIBC Mellon $1,357,513 $739,833
Included in cash and cash equivalents are Municipal Finance Authority of BC (MFA BC) Pooled Investment Funds held in a CIBC Mellon Money Market account. These funds are tax requisition funds invested for regular Hospital District operations and are carried at market value which approximates cost. Average yield on the MFA BC Money Market Fund in 2020 was 0.64% (2019 = 1.48%)
4. Municipal Finance Authority of BC (MFA BC) Long-term Debt
(a) Long-term debentures issued through the Municipal Finance Authority of BC:
Issue Interest Rate 2020 2019 105 Issued in 2009, maturing in 2029 2.25% $2,532,677 $2,762,793 106 Issued in 2009, maturing in 2029 2.25% 1,519,493 1,657,552 Total as at December 31 $4,052,170 $4,420,345
(b) Future principal payments on existing debt: 2021 248,726 2022 248,726 2023 248,726 2024 248,726 2025 248,726 Thereafter 994,901 2,238,531
Actuarial additions 1,813,639 $4,052,170
5. Accumulated Deficiency
Components of Accumulated Deficiency: 2020 2019 Unrestricted $ 93,458 $ 150,117 Appropriated for Section 20(3) Reserve 1,331,969 693,715 MFA Debt Reserve Fund 102,409 100,344 Issued Debt Recovered through Future Taxation (4,052,170) (4,420,345) Accumulated Deficiency, end of year $ (2,524,334) $ (3,476,169)
Page 35 of 37 10 Information Report - Sea to Sky Regional Hospital District, 2020 Audited...
Sea to Sky Regional Hospital District Notes to the Financial Statements For the year ended December 31, 2020
6. Budget
The 2020 budget was approved by the Board through the adoption of Bylaw No. 43 - 2020 on February 26, 2020. The budget includes items not shown on the statement of operations as identified below:
Annual budgeted deficit as reported in these financial statements $ 599,605
Adjustments for items not reflected in financial statements Budgeted Operating Surplus Brought Forward 62,821 MFA Debt Principal Payments (248,726) Contingency Expense (for Capital purposes) (491,811) Transfer from Appropriated Capital Surplus 78,111 Budgeted Annual Surplus $0
7. Uncertainty due to COVID-19
On March 11, 2020, the COVID-19 outbreak was declared a global pandemic by the World Health Organization. As the impacts of COVID-19 continue, there could be further effects on the Regional Hospital District, the local health authorities, regional taxpayers and suppliers. The Regional Hospital District has continued to operate without interruption during this pandemic. Given the daily evolution of the COVID-19 outbreak and the global responses to curb its spread, the Regional Hospital District is not able to fully estimate the effects of the COVID-19 outbreak on its results of operations, financial condition, or liquidity at this time.
Page 36 of 37 11 Hospital Name Change (Director Rainbow)
DIRECTORS REPORT SEA TO SKY HOSPITAL BOARD MEETING, MAY 26th, 2021
Tony Rainbow Director, Area D
HOSPITAL NAME CHANGE
At our last Hospital Board meeting we had a presentation from Dr. James Cranston outlining the reasons we need a CT scanner at the Squamish Hospital. It was clear from his remarks that the medical professionals in Squamish view the long term future of the hospital as one of expansion both in terms of size and of the range of treatments available.
The hospital is already a regional facility with patients from the electoral areas C and D, from Pemberton and Whistler, and of course from Squamish itself. Our region is growing and yet there has been a focus for years on Lions Gate Hospital so that SLRD residents have to make the trip there for many specialist services. This is not too bad if you live in Furry Creek but quite daunting if you live in Darcy or Mount Currie or Pemberton.
As we grow in population, there is an increased need to provide care within the region which we know is expensive. As Dr. Cranston explained, we need about $2,000,000 for the CT scanner.
What I would like us to discuss is the possibility of changing the name of the hospital in Squamish to the “Sea to Sky Regional Hospital”. I believe that this accomplishes a number of things that will be of benefit as we move forward.
First, it allows each part of the Sea to Sky area to feel a part of the hospital, to feel some ownership. This will help with fund raising.
Second, as we improve the facility and provide more up to date diagnostic and treatment equipmant, a ‘Regional Hospital’ has a little more cachet which could assist in the recruitment of new staff.
Third, the name suggests a higher stature than the current name and over time this would have a subtle effect on how VCH think about us.
I have no idea what is involved in a name change such as suggested but I would like us to discuss it.
********************************
Note: I discussed this with Dr. Cranston, who happens to be my doctor, and he is going to take the idea to the Squamish MAC.
Page 37 of 37