By Katie Strachan
The Oshawa Express

Durham Regional councillors have adopted a new motto: “Have say for pay.” And it appears that they’re sticking to it. Some of the regional councillors are upset that Lakeridge Health has denied them the opportunity of sitting on the board of trustees. Recently, Roger Anderson, regional chair, wrote a letter to Doug Allingham, chair of the Lakeridge Board of Trustees, requesting that a regional representative be appointed to sit on the board. Allingham replied, “Lakeridge Health feels that this open, transparent and robust application and selection process best serves the needs of transparency and accountability. As such, we do not believe that direct regional representation on the board is warranted.”

But that is not the answer council was hoping for.“We have to be in the room when discussions are being had,” says Councillor Brian Nicholson, adding that sitting in the audience is doing no good.“I find that somewhat insulting.” Lakeridge Health welcomes applications for the position of trustees from interested individuals from across the geographical area, states Allingham, adding all board meetings are open to the general public, staff, physicians and all levels of government. The exception is in-camera sessions where confidential matters are discussed.“They have constitutions which allow them to choose their members. There is no transparency,” says Ajax Mayor Steve Parish. He hopes members of council remember this
next time the hospitals come asking for funding.“They’re not going to let you…have say for
pay. You can pass resolutions until the cows come home and nothing is going to change.”
Many councillors who shared the same feelings felt parish’s frustration.

“I think the last resolution was clear. Without representation don’t bother coming asking for
money,” says Anderson. In the past the region has provided the hospitals with a great deal of funding, explains Anderson. Allingham did thank council in his letter for supporting the hospital and brought up the issue of discussing hospital matters with council in the near future.
“We always get the info after it’s already started. I think it’s significant we get back on the
board,” says Councillor Mary Novak. Councillor Bill McLean echoes her comments,
“I think it’s most important we are there (on the board).” The region may bring the matter up again in an upcoming health committee or finance meeting.