Today is the deadline for health units to submit merger proposals to the Ontario Ministry of Health.
Last August, the Ministry offered funding and support for voluntary mergers with the aim of implementing them by January 1, 2025.
The Kingston, Frontenac, Lennox & Addington board of health recently voted in favour of the intent to merge with Hastings Prince Edward Public Health and Leeds, Grenville and Lanark District Health Unit, forming the South East Health Unit.
However, mergers require provincial legislative changes and approval from the province, along with sufficient funding.
In an update provided to Lennox and Addington County Council, Deputy Warden Nathan Townend shared that the government will take the summer to review the business case and come back with various negotiations and approvals.
Until then, the health units will operate independently.
Written by Emily Chatwood