Ontario’s COVID-19 Science Advisory Table to dissolve on September 6

After years of informing the public and providing crucial reporting on the COVID-19 pandemic, Ontario’s Science Advisory Table will be dissolved on September 6.

The scientists shared an open letter penned to Dr. Michael Sherar, President and CEO of Public Health Ontario (PHO). In it, the health experts explained that PHO recently informed them that the COVID-19 advisory board would be adjourned.

“As the science table winds down in the coming weeks, we will aim to complete our existing work,” the group wrote in the letter.

“Two things have enabled the science table and its working groups to serve the government and the people of Ontario during the pandemic. First, the science table’s work reflects the remarkable dedication of the hundreds of volunteer scientists, physicians and administrators who devoted their time to the effort.”

Throughout the pandemic, the science table regularly provided summaries of scientific evidence to public health and health professionals and the general public to inform the province’s response to COVID-19.

The group published weekly COVID-19 modelling when the province was seeing exponential virus growth and spread and would elaborate on the effectiveness of various public health measures, including mask-wearing, social distancing and the significance of mandates.

In its letter, the science table mentioned vital principles “that will help Ontario manage the continued dangers of COVID-19 and other public health crises.”

“Science matters. Equity counts,” the science table specified. “Transparency is critical. Independence must be perceived and delivered, and timeliness and relevance are essential.”

---

University of Toronto Professor Adalsteinn Brown, a fixture at Ontario’s Science Advisory Table, announced earlier this month he would be leaving the science group.

The COVID-19 science table noted that its health experts are grateful for the opportunity to help serve the province since July 2020.

“Many of us will remember our work for the Science Table as some of the most important work we have ever had the chance to do,” the science table wrote.

“We are lucky to have done so in partnership with 15 million Ontarians who care deeply about their communities and with the many health professionals, public servants and cabinet members who have so often dared to make difficult choices.”

The group of independent scientists — which was initially overseen by the Dalla Lana School of Public Health at the University of Toronto — has been under PHO since April 4, when the agency announced it would host the expert group on a permanent basis.

Public Health Ontario, science table discussing new terms of reference

A statement Friday from PHO suggested it is looking at forming a new group, saying it has been engaged in discussions with science table representatives over the last few weeks over new terms of reference.

A PHO spokesperson tells CityNews representatives for both sides are actively discussing new terms that will allow for a “sustainable approach” to providing credible public health information.

The terms of reference is expected to come into effect in early September.

“The new terms of reference establish a mandate that reflects a long-term, sustainable approach and ensures the continued provision of credible and independent scientific and technical public health advice to the province on COVID-19 and future public health emergencies,” the PHO spokesperson noted.

“Membership will continue to be comprised of independent experts.”

Premier Doug Ford said he isn’t dissolving the science table.

“We’re actually transferring it over to public health,” he said at an unrelated press conference in Niagara Falls, Ont.

“They had an incredible relationship throughout this pandemic. They’re going to have a full-time home rather than be put out there in limbo.”

---

With files from Allison Jones of The Canadian Press