The amalgamated South East Health Unit was established with the goal of saving money, however, less than a year into amalgamation the health unit is already facing budget shortfalls.
During Wednesday’s meeting of the Board of Health, the board received a report detailing their upcoming finances.
The report painted a dire picture, with the Ministry of Health’s one per cent yearly provincial funding increases falling short of four per cent predicted yearly cost increases to maintain services. These increases don’t factor for the impacts of US tariffs. Voluntary merger funding from the province is also set to end, reducing the available funds for the health unit.
The current funding for mandatory services in 2025 is $50 million, with a predicted shortfall in 2026 of $1.5 million. After voluntary merger funding ends, combined with cost increases, the health unit is predicting a budget shortfall of $15.6 million in 2030.
Belleville Councillor Sean Kelly, a member of the Board of Health, said that the province needs to better fund healthcare, instead of passing costs down to municipalities.
“We’ve invested millions in doctor recruitment. Many around the table and people in our community feel that that is a provincial responsibility, and now it’s on the backs of municipal taxpayers,” said Kelly.
South East Health Unit is the result of a voluntary merger that took effect in January, combining Hastings Prince Edward Public Health; Kingston, Frontenac and Lennox & Addington Public Health; and the Leeds, Grenville and Lanark District Health Unit.
