Past Board Meeting Minutes
September 28, 2026
St. Joseph’s Hospital – Adams Boardroom A2-041 And via MS Teams video-conference
The Chair called the meeting to order at 3:30 p.m.
A commissioning ceremony of the Board was led by Heather Vanderstelt, Spiritual Care Practitioner and Supervisor-Educator, and Jason Sullivan, Student in Spiritual Care.
Roundtable introductions occurred.
1. Full Agenda / Consent Agenda
1.1 Adoption of Full Agenda
It was MOVED and SECONDED the agenda be adopted as circulated. CARRIED.
1.2 Approval of Consent Agenda
For the benefit of new Directors, the Chair introduced the practice of the Board’s use of a consent agenda.
It was MOVED and SECONDED that the Consent Agenda for the September 28, 2026 Board meeting, consisting of the recommendations and reports found in Appendix 1, be approved and/or received for information by St. Joseph’s Board of Directors.
CARRIED.
2. Reports
2.1 Board Chair Remarks
(a) Schedule for 2026/27 Board Reflections
A reflection is common practice at the beginning of both Board and Committee of the Board meetings. A reflection is an opportunity to pause and set our minds and intentions to what is before us.
Reference was made to the proposed schedule for who will provide the Reflection at an upcoming Board meeting. Members were requested to review the schedule and connect with the Executive Assistant Board Governance if a conflict arises.
(b) Schedule for 2026/27 Board Education Sessions
Annually, a schedule of education topics is chosen to occur at certain Board meetings throughout the year. The schedule not only has items relevant to the Board’s accountabilities but includes education on the clinical departments within St. Joseph’s presented by the Department Heads.
Stemming from a presentation given at Board-Committee orientation, D. Ladouceur reiterated that it is good practice for all Directors to attend a Quality Committee meeting annually as it provides Directors with greater insight to the Board and hospital’s quality mandate. She proposed that the Board’s governance office will share the Quality Committee meeting dates for 2026/27 and invited Directors to reply if they were interested in attending.
(c) Schedule for 2026/27 Board Representatives attending Medical Advisory Committee (MAC) meetings
St. Joseph's Board has set a priority to maintain close relationships with the MAC and the Credentialed Professional Staff (CPS). Over the last number of years it has proven useful for members of the Board to attend MAC meetings, as an observer. It is both an educational opportunity for the Board Member and maintains linkage and commitment to the CPS that the Board is sincerely interested and engaged in their business. Board Members are requested to review the proposed schedule of representatives and connect with the Executive Assistant Board Governance if a conflict arises.
D. Ladouceur informed the Board that she had the pleasure of attending St. Joseph’s Evening of Celebration on September 23rd which is a celebration of service milestones ranging from 5 to 50 years of service of St. Joseph’s staff, physicians and volunteers. She announced that R. Butler was one of over 948 staff being recognized and congratulated him on his 30 years at St. Joseph’s.
2.2 President and Chief Executive Officer
(a) Monthly report to Board
R. Butler responded to questions raised from the written report that had been pre-circulated. In addition, he highlighted areas of current developments and issues, which included the following:
• A ruling is expected this Fall on the Charter challenge for exemptions to Medical Assistance in Dying;
• The Ontario Hospital Association (OHA) issued a survey in the summer which aimed to help identify priorities for their next strategic plan;
• The OHA is hosting a five-part, virtual webinar starting this month titled Governance Essentials for New Directors and there are a number of St. Joseph’s Directors participating;
• The Ontario Nurses Association launched a charter challenge to the strike ban;
• The Animals for Research Act did get passed related to research on dogs and cats;
• The province’s Physician Assistant Program launched with a number of universities including Western offering a two-year graduate program;
• There have been a number of Primary Care Announcements related to expanding primary care services across the province;
• The Emergency Department Action Program is a multi-year initiative aimed at reducing emergency room wait times and improving patient care at 26 hospitals across the province. More information will be coming out shortly about this work;
• St. Joseph’s hosted Liberal MP Peter Fragiskatos on September 1st and will be hosting NDP MPPs Teresa Armstrong, Terence Kernaghan and Peggy Sattler on October 2nd. Deputy Ministry Deb Richardson and Associate Deputy Minister Catherine Wang will be visiting October 30th where St. Joseph’s will have the opportunity to speak on our pressure points;
• Canadian astronaut Jeremy Hansen is the keynote speaker at the Foundation’s Tribute dinner scheduled for October 14th; and,
• St. Joseph’s Evening of Celebration was held September 23rd and recognized service milestones of 5 through to 50 years of service. Over 948 recipients were recognized including Dr. Frank Prato who has served 50 years at St. Joseph’s;
R. Butler concluded his report by sharing some insights from his participation in the Mission Alive program in LePuy France early September.
(b) Dashboard for Reporting Compliance
R. Butler recalled that this is a tool the Board uses to track its reporting compliance. The report is presented to the Board for information twice a year. The Senior Leadership Team (SLT) reviewed the September report and supports the content. He confirmed St. Joseph's is compliant with the various Acts and reporting requirements.
(c) 2026/27 Q1 Corporate Performance Report and Strategic Plan Annual Aims Scorecard
R. Butler confirmed that the Committees of the Board conduct deep dives into the details of the quarterly results. He provided a high-level overview of the financial, people, quality and safety, and Hospital Service Accountability Agreement (HSAA) volumes first quarter results. He also stated that St. Joseph’s strategic objectives are trending in the right direction with most initiatives on target.
(d) Parking Garage update
J. Younger provided the Board with an update on the hospital’s parking garage redevelopment plan by sharing that both a staff, physician, volunteer forum and a community forum are scheduled to take place on September 29th. This is an opportunity to look at the current concept drawings and plans, ask questions, speak with the project team, take a closer look at the new proposed design through virtual reality and share feedback. She confirmed that the planning team has met with the neighbourhood associations to receive their reactions, thoughts, and feedback. The hope is to have a planning permit in to the City by this spring. It was confirmed that financials will go through the Resource Planning & Audit Committee (RPAC) and on to the Board in due course.
2.3 Medical Advisory Committee (MAC) Chair
L. Lyons thanked the Board for their appointing 23 new Professional Staff representing a variety of specialties to St. Joseph’s. She highlighted that:
• the updates to the delineation of surgery document were minor: adding the use of lasers to Paediatric Surgeons and updating the certificate of registration language to match the language used by the College of Physicians and Surgeons of Ontario;
• the Leave of Absence report is a new document that is being shared with the Board to strengthen compliance with the Credentialed Professional Staff By-Law. It is informational only;
• there are four Department Head/Chair searches in progress; and,
• a “Managing Unprofessional Behavior” workshop for physician leaders is scheduled for October 2, 2026 and the second workshop is scheduled for October 23, 2026. This course is presented by the Canadian Medical Protective Association and is being offered to all medical leaders at St.
Joseph’s and London Health Sciences Centre as part of the MAC’s implementation plan for the management of CPS professionalism guidelines that were passed by the MAC in April 2026.
T. Drenth joined the meeting at 4:57 p.m.
2.4 Quality Report
(a) Patient, Resident, Caregiver Story
As part of the Board’s focus on Quality, the Board has been receiving updates/stories from the senior leaders at St. Joseph’s. Charles O’Hanlon, Vice President People & Mission, and Tracy Drenth, Manager Volunteer Services, shared how an idea stemmed from volunteers to improve language accessibility and inclusive patient navigation at St. Joseph’s. Language identification buttons are now worn by volunteers and there are professional interpretation iPads with over 200 languages available on them at hospital entrances. St. Joseph’s is seen as a leader in this space and has received media attention as well as inquiries from peer hospitals.
T. Drenth left the meeting at 5:04 p.m.
(b) 2026/27 Q1 Quality Results
J. Hubert, Chair of Quality Committee, thanked R. Butler for spotlighting some of the first quarter results in his report and shared that due to the timing of Board-Committee orientation, the first meeting of the Committee is scheduled for October 1st. She explained the normal cadence is for Quality Committee to meet ahead of the Board meeting and do a deep dive into the quality indicators reviewing those that need the greatest attention, where performance is more challenged, where there is particular complexity and/or key Quality Improvement Plan items. This will align in the second quarter.
2.5 Lawson Research Institute
L. Cornelius, Chair of Lawson Board, reported on a number of developments that have occurred the past few months strengthening Lawson’s governance structure and financial oversight including:
• Lawson Board held its first Board Orientation session on September 16, which brought together all of the returning Board members, two prospective new Board members, as well as the new members of the Lawson Finance & Investment Committee. It was a great opportunity to bring everyone together and provide a common introduction to Lawson, its work, and the role of the Board;
• The Board has established a new Lawson Finance & Investment Committee which will provide additional oversight of Lawson’s quarterly financials before they are brought forward to the full Lawson Board for approval;
• A significant amount of governance work has also been completed as the Board adopted several key governance policies and role descriptions for the Lawson Board, individual Directors, and Committee Members; and
• In development is the creation of a dedicated Lawson Board portal. It is anticipated the portal will be up and running by mid-October and will provide a central location for Board materials and information.
L. Cornelius recognized the support of T. Cook in the creation of the Board policies, role descriptions and board portal. She further recognized and thanked the St. Joseph’s Finance team for stepping in to support the Lawson Finance team while Lawson’s Finance Manager is on leave.
Related to research news, Lawson was able to demonstrate through a pilot process that it can utilize the QuickSTART program through Clinical Trials Ontario to expedite clinical trials start-up. The target date mandated by QuickSTART is 45 days and the pilot project through Lawson was approved in
33. Lawson continues to stand up new resources to support approvals within the research environment, including a clinical trials team and new research navigator support. Through engagement with clinical departments, Lawson is also developing a new streamlined optimization of its current approval process.
3. Business Arising
Standing agenda item, no business arose.
4. New Business
4.1 Enactment of the Member right as the sole Member of Lawson Research Institute
D. Ladouceur explained the process behind enacting the Member right including the new piece of business to appoint a Duly Authorized Representative which is as a result of a By-Law change.
M. Gillett declared a conflict of interest.
A question arose to understand the recruitment process. L. Cornelius, Chair of Lawson, provided an explanation noting that due to the Lawson Board being in its infancy, recruitment for specific skills was needed at this stage. The two candidates bring industry, business, medical and clinical expertise. She noted that Lawson Board does need to develop formal recruitment processes.
It was MOVED and SECONDED that St. Joseph’s Board of Directors appoints Mary Gillett as the duly authorized representative of the Corporation to attend and vote at the meeting of the Member of Lawson to be held on September 28, 2026 on behalf of the Corporation (the “Duly Authorized Representative”) and authorizes and directs the Duly Authorized Representative to elect Scott MacNair and Frank Naus as Directors of Lawson, effective September 28, 2026 to hold office until the next annual meeting of Lawson or until their successors are elected or appointed. CARRIED.
4.2 Governance Committee Recommendations
M. Gillett, Chair of Governance Committee, stated that the two recommendations flow from additional details provided in the Stoplight Report submitted to the Board as agenda item #4.4a.
(a) Adoption of an ethics mandate statement to all Standing Committee Terms of Reference
M. Gillett informed that the Governance Committee has held multiple discussions on ways to integrate ethics throughout the Board and Committee governance structure. Governance Committee has determined that one such way is to adopt a mandate statement that would be applied to all Standing Committee Terms of Reference.
It was MOVED and SECONDED that St. Joseph’s Board of Directors approve the following mandate statement be added to all Standing Committee Terms of Reference: “Promote ethical discernment and decision-making processes in Committee deliberations.”
CARRIED.
(b) Amendment of ethics on the Board’s Skills Inventory
M. Gillett then proposed an amendment to the Board’s Skills Inventory tool to allow for the tool to assess, identify and ensure the Board/Committees have individuals as part of their membership who have skill and experience in ethical discernment.
It was MOVED and SECONDED that St. Joseph’s Board of Directors approve an amendment to the Skills Inventory to remove the singular word “ethics” and replace it with “knowledge of health care ethics / ethical discernment”. CARRIED.
4.3 Resource Planning & Audit Committee Recommendation – Q1 Financial Results
J. Melchers, Chair of RPAC, informed that the Committee met for the first time this fiscal on September 14th. RPAC is pleased to welcome several new members and to have their expertise at the table. He then reported on the first quarter financial results stating that St. Joseph’s ended Q1 2026/27 with a
$9.6 million deficit compared to a planned deficit of $4.0 million. Key factors contributing to the variance included an annual funding shortfall related to the Ministry’s Growth and Efficiency Model funding increase being lower than originally planned for, as well as portfolio operating pressures across several areas of the organization. These pressures were partially offset by investment income that exceeded budget by $3.2 million. Working capital remains strong as does investment income but will be drawn on over time. HSAA activity targets were generally exceeded and while this reflects strong demand for services, activity above funded volumes are creating additional financial pressure, particularly in ambulatory visits. He also noted that funding rates for quality-based procedures have not kept pace with actual costs.
It was MOVED and SECONDED that St. Joseph’s Board of Directors approve the financial statements of St. Joseph’s Health Care London for the quarter ended June 30, 2026.
CARRIED.
4.4 Chair Updates from Standing Committees of the Board
(a) Stoplight Reports from the Governance Committee of the Board
D. Ladouceur referenced the reports and invited questions/comments. None arose.
5. Recess
It was MOVED and SECONDED the meeting of St. Joseph’s Board of Directors recess at 5:27 p.m. until such time as called to order by the Chair. CARRIED.
The Chair called the Board of Directors meeting back to order at 5:55 p.m.
6. In-Camera Meeting
It was MOVED and SECONDED the meeting of the Board of Directors move in-camera at 5:56 p.m.
CARRIED.
The regular meeting of the Board of Directors resumed at 6:55 p.m.
7. Termination of Meeting
There being no further business, the Chair declared the meeting terminated at 6:55 p.m.
July 17, 2026
Via MS Teams video-conference
The Chair called the meeting to order at 10:31 a.m. The reflection was provided by S. Bolton.
1. Full Agenda / Consent Agenda
1.1 Adoption of Full Agenda
It was MOVED and SECONDED the agenda be adopted as circulated. CARRIED.
1.2 Approval of Consent Agenda
It was MOVED and SECONDED that the Consent Agenda for the July 17, 2026 Board meeting, consisting of the recommendations and reports found in Appendix 1, be approved and/or received for information by St. Joseph’s Board of Directors. CARRIED.
2. Reports
2.1 Board Chair Remarks
D. Ladouceur recalled that St. Joseph’s Board received a communication about Ron Sapsford being appointed the new Board Chair for London Health Sciences Centre (LHSC). D. Ladouceur confirmed that a congratulatory message was sent to him on behalf of St. Joseph’s Board and St. Joseph’s Health Care Society.
D. Ladouceur informed that the Senior Leadership Team is reviewing the latest LHSC Supervisor’s report in detail to identify potential gaps and areas where St. Joseph’s may be able to improve. Following their review, there will be a debrief discussion held by Governance Committee and then a discussion with the full Board. In preparation, Directors are requested to read the report.
ACTION: Directors to read the LHSC Supervisor Report prior to the September 2026 Board meeting.
2.2 President and Chief Executive Officer
R. Butler announced that since the Board’s June meeting St. Joseph’s has received its funding letter. He reminded Directors that St. Joseph’s ended 2025/26 with a $4.7M deficit and that the Board approved a deficit operating budget for 2026/27. He invited L. Higgs to give the Board details about the funding letter.
L. Higgs shared the letter outlines an increase of 1.25% to base funding which translates to a $4.5M increase to the operating budget for next year. This means that St. Joseph’s is facing a $2.7M shortfall compared to our planning assumptions of receiving 2%. In addition, St. Joseph’s received a top up for some quality-based procedures. Teaching hospitals appeared to receive the lowest allocation across the sector whereas standalone mental health and standalone complex care institutions received closer to 2%. There is a provincial call scheduled for next week between the Ministry, Hospital CEO’s and Hospital Board Chairs where hopefully there is more learned about the allocation methodology.
R. Butler informed that St. Joseph’s first quarter financial results were just finalized, and the organization is ~$3.5M negative to budget. Project Tyche, which is a multi-year, phased effort to find efficiencies while keeping core services steady and minimizing impact on staff and patients, is well under way. The recommendations coming from this work will be material. R. Butler attended the Medical Advisory Committee (MAC) meeting this past Wednesday morning to inform them of the status of the funding letter. He also met with Directors’ Council this morning to advise of same.
R. Butler reminded the Board that the Provincial Priority Action Table is conducting feasibility studies in three areas where efficiencies could be gained (health information systems, laboratory services and enterprise resource planning systems) and that the Southwest Regional Working Group continues to look at conservable bed days, mostly in acute care, surgical networks, critical care and oncology provision at satellite sites and back office/shared services.
With respect to corporate performance, new processes have been introduced to strengthen attendance management and adjust recruitment practices, including position control which means that when non-union positions become vacant, they will be reviewed by SLT to determine whether they need to be filled. Position control may also be extended to unionized positions.
M. Gillett left the meeting at 10:56 a.m.
2.3 Medical Advisory Committee (MAC) Chair
L. Lyons informed that the MAC held a July meeting specifically to deal with Credentialed Professional Staff (CPS) appointments, changes to appointments and a number of CPS reappointments. A. Dukelow provided context related to the resolve of the CPS reappointments.
L. Lyons shared that the MAC has established a new committee: London Hospitals’ Health Information Management & Systems. This is a city-wide committee with oversight of OneChart and artificial intelligence matters.
L. Lyons announced that Dr. Christie MacDonald, Department Head of Emergency Medicine, has taken a Vice-President role at LHSC, effective September 1st and that an interim Department Head will need to be appointed in short order.
3. Business Arising
No business arose.
4. New Business
4.1 Chair updates - Standing Committees of the Board
(a) Stoplight Report from Nominating Subcommittee of the Governance Committee of the Board
On behalf of the Chair of Nominating Subcommittee, D. Ladouceur referenced the stoplight report which raises a concern about the low number of candidates on the Evergreen List. She reminded Directors that it is one of their duties to help recruit to the Board. She invited Directors to submit names now, with the hopes that Nominating Subcommittee can vet candidates ahead of time, so that there is a more robust Evergreen List to work with when the nominating cycle starts in January.
D. Ladouceur also stated that St. Joseph’s Board historically does not house recruitment information on its public web page until recruitment is under way; however, in response to the need to grow the Evergreen List, recruitment information will be added to the public website now.
Discussion was held and a question raised whether St. Joseph’s Board should consider hosting an information session – something that is interactive to explain what it is like to be a Director on a hospital Board. An information session may help to clarify things for individuals who have interest but have not yet put their name forward.
ACTION: Governance Committee to hold a discussion about the current recruitment process and whether there is opportunity to do things differently.
5. In-Camera Meeting
An in-camera meeting was not held.
6. Termination of Meeting
Prior to closing the meeting, the Chair reminded Directors about the Board-Committee orientation day scheduled for Friday September 18th and that the next Board meeting is scheduled for Monday September 28th.
There being no further business, the Chair declared the meeting terminated at 11:23 a.m.
June 22, 2026
Parkwood Institute, Main Building, Room C2-108 (Boardroom) and via MS Teams video-conference
The Chair called the meeting to order at 11:45 p.m. The reflection was provided by D. Ladouceur.
1. Full Agenda / Consent Agenda
1.1 Adoption of Full Agenda
It was MOVED and SECONDED the agenda be adopted as circulated. CARRIED.
1.2 Approval of Consent Agenda
J. Melchers declared a conflict of interest and left the meeting at 11:50 a.m.
It was MOVED and SECONDED that the Consent Agenda for the June 22, 2026 Board meeting, consisting of the recommendations and reports found in Appendix 1, be approved and/or received for information by St. Joseph’s Board of Directors. CARRIED.
J. Melchers rejoined the meeting at 11:51 a.m.
2. Reports
2.1 Board Chair Remarks
The Chair welcomed P. Griffin to the meeting. She then reported having attended the following meetings/events:
• A meeting with the Bishop alongside R. Butler and R. Corneil. All parties see value in having these regular meeting which we hope will continue with the new Bishop;
• A farewell dinner for Bishop Fabbro; and,
• The Professional Staff Organization (PSO) Annual Meeting and Medical Advisory Committee (MAC) Awards.
D. Ladouceur introduced and congratulated Christopher Hansebout as the new President of St. Joseph’s PSO.
(a) 2025/26 Meeting attendance roster
Best practice indicators identify attendance as a key measure of board and committee member engagement in organizational governance. Updated attendance logs for all meetings were provided for information and transparency. The Governance Committee reviewed the latest report and noted no concerns.
(b) 2025/26 Board Work Plan Status Update
D. Ladouceur referenced the status update column on the report which confirms the Board achieved all of what was set out in its work plan for the past year.
(c) Board Work Plan for 2026/27
D. Ladouceur recalled that the Board reviewed a draft of the 2026/27 work plan at its last meeting. She explained that two additional items have been added since that time. The first relates to the Board’s preparations for accreditation, and the second relates to the Board’s engagement with physician leaders and St. Joseph’s Vice Presidents. Regarding the latter, D. Ladouceur and L. Lyons met to discuss potential topics Department Heads may wish to bring forward to the Board, including challenges and opportunities. The Department Heads expressed appreciation for the opportunity.
It was MOVED and SECONDED St. Joseph’s Board of Directors approve the 2026/27 Board Work Plan. CARRIED.
(d) Regular Board Meeting Schedule for 2026/27
The Chair confirmed that in accordance with the Corporate By-Law, the Board is required to approve a regular meeting schedule fixing the time and place.
It was MOVED and SECONDED St. Joseph’s Board of Directors approve the 2026/27 regular Board meeting schedule. CARRIED.
2.2 President and Chief Executive Officer
(a) Monthly report to Board
R. Butler responded to questions raised from the written report that had been pre-circulated. In addition, he highlighted areas of current developments and issues, which included the following:
• The Special Joint Committee on Medical Assistance in Dying (MAiD) has released its final report recommending that the government amend the Criminal Code to “indefinitely exclude” people whose sole underlying condition is a mental illness from applying for MAiD.
• Hospitals have not received their funding letters for 2026/27 but these are expected end of June or early July;
• Canada’s first BIOGRAPH One PET/MRI was unveiled for researchers and scientific partners on June 11 and showcased to WSIB on June 12th;
• St. Joseph’s is offering practical learning opportunities to staff focused on creating safe and affirming spaces for 2SLGBTQ+ patients. St. Joseph’s will participate in London’s Pride Parade on July 19th;
• St. Joseph’s raised a flag in memory of the members of Our London Family who were killed while out for an evening walk in their London neighbourhood on June 6, 2021. The flag is a visible expression of St. Joseph’s commitment to Our London Family and to Muslim friends, colleagues, patients and community members. R. Butler thanked N. Tahir for speaking at this event, and for the attendance of other Directors;
• Lawson Research Institute brought forward a proposal to invest to build an integrated clinical trials infrastructure that accelerates start-up, strengthens delivery, improves patient access, and grows sustainable research revenue. This proposal was endorsed by the Senior Leadership Team (SLT) and subsequently approved by the Foundation Board. Recognition was given to the Foundation for supporting this proposal;
• Mount Hope received a Best Practice Spotlight Organization (BPSO) designation on May 28 at the Registered Nurses Association of Ontario annual general meeting in Toronto. This work has been a three-year journey and over 100 staff signed up to be BPSO Champions. Only 10% of long-term care homes have this designation making Mount Hope a leader in quality resident care;
• Lori Higgs, St. Joseph’s Vice President of Clinical Support and Chief Financial Officer, has been elected as the next vice-chair of Western University’s board of governors for a two-year term starting July 1st;
• At the PSO Annual Meeting on June 2, the MAC Awards were presented. Recipients included: Adam Dukelow, Integrated Vice President Medical and Academic Affairs (MAC Chairs’ Award), Margaret Kahng, Integrated Director Medical and Academic Affairs (London Hospitals MAC Award) and Dr. Susan McNair (St. Joseph’s MAC Award); and,
• Recognition was given to Peter Cassidy who not only recently created sketches for two retiring Vice Presidents, but who has also completed a sketch of the Sisters’ kitchen in Le Puy France. This was done as a thank you to the Sisters for hosting and participating in the Mission Leadership course.
R. Butler concluded his report by welcoming and introducing Sarah-Jane Adams as new Vice President, Patient Care at St. Joseph’s Hospital site.
(b) St. Joseh’s Annual Report to the Community
R. Butler informed that the annual report to the community launches today on St. Joseph’s public website. This report contains a message from the Board Treasurer and a joint message from the Board Chair and CEO and highlights some of the achievements that have transformed vision into action under St. Joseph’s three strategic goals.
(c) Communication and Public Relations 2026-27 Annual Plan
P. Superville presented the Communication and Public Relations 2026-27 Annual Plan. She stated there is a lot of trust in St. Joseph’s brand and the plan outlines strategies is to continue to build on that and enhance it. Examples of these include the Lawson-WSIB partnership, trauma informed care and mental health. The goal is to help the community understand these opportunities, and St. Joseph’s role in this work.
A request was made for the Communications team to create and provide Directors with some talking points so that they may accurately represent St. Joseph’s in the community. The Board expressed appreciation to the Communications team for the additional responses they had to deal with over the last year.
It was MOVED and SECONDED St. Joseph’s Board of Directors approve the Communication and Public Relations 2026/27 Annual Plan. CARRIED.
(d) 2026-27 Government Relations Strategy
Reference was made to the governance relations strategy document which is shared with the Board for information. It is seen as critical to have this in place and is about building relationships and trust. It is also an opportunity to spotlight St. Joseph’s locally, provincially, and federally.
Discussion took place and the Board commented that the emphasis and tone of the report is correct. It was suggested that St. Joseph’s take advantage of offers to speak at conference (i.e. the Ontario Hospital Association (OHA) Leadership Summit) as St. Joseph’s has much to be proud of and because St. Joseph’s governance practices are strong. P. Superville confirmed St. Joseph’s is trying to get on the OHA’s newsletters, where appropriate, to spotlight the excellent work happening at St. Joseph’s. There was agreement it is important for the province to hear about what St.
Joseph’s is doing; this also helps build brand recognition.
(e) 2025-26 Impact Report
P. Superville informed Directors that this is the first year the Communications team prepared an impact report to measure and evaluate communication outputs and outcomes and how they are driving St. Joseph’s priorities. The report also helps to set goals and creates accountability. The report was shared internally with the SLT and is being shared with the Board for information.
2.3 Medical Advisory Committee (MAC) Chair
In support of the annual Credentialed Professional Staff (CPS) reappointments that appeared on the Consent Agenda, L. Lyons emphasized the due diligence of the process whereby reappointments are reviewed by the Department Heads, followed by the Credentialing Committee, and finally the MAC. She confirmed there are 1155 CPS reappointments this year.
L. Lyons shared there is excitement around the new Department Head of Surgery who starts September 1. Dr. David Urbach comes from Women’s College Hospital in Toronto and brings expertise in team-based care, central intake, and health services research.
L. Lyons advised that a risk management question was raised offline by a Director related to the CPS departure report. The Director wished to know how the number of departures compare year after year, and the reason(s) for leaving. Medical Affairs reviewed the last five years and separated retirees from those leaving for other reasons. In 2024, there were a number of CPS leave due to the requirement of CPS needing to apply for privileges at both LHSC and St. Joseph’s. When this happened St. Joseph’s departure report was higher given the fact that there are some services not provided at St. Joseph’s such as paediatrics. In this year’s report, there is nothing unusual. Medical Affairs will continue to capture the reasons which will allow for more intentional planning around recruitment.
Dovetailing on R. Butler’s remarks, L. Lyons acknowledged and offered congratulations to the recipients of this year’s MAC Awards.
2.4 Quality Report
(a) Patient, Resident, Caregiver story
As part of the Board’s focus on Quality, the Board has been receiving updates/stories from the senior leaders at St. Joseph’s. L. Lyons, MAC Chair, shared a story about the partnership between iHEAL and the Trauma and Violence Specialized Primary Care Program. It was an example of partnering for impact, excellence in care, and is a result of a vibrant workforce.
2.5 Report from London Hospital Linen Services (LHLS)
The Chair stated that Phil Griffin and Howard Rundle are the Board’s representatives on the LHLS Board of Directors and that annually, they are invited to provide the St. Joseph’s Board with an update on the activities of LHLS.
P. Griffin recalled to the Board that built in 1971, LHLS is a not-for-profit, cooperative health care laundry, serving thirty hospital corporations and long-term care homes. LHLS ships textiles to forty-nine sites from Woodstock in the east to Windsor in the west, to St. Thomas / Simcoe in the south, and to Walkerton and Hanover to the north. All hospitals have oversight into our operations through the Board of Directors and the Linen Service Committee (which sets linen, quality, and customer service standards).
LHLS’s Board of Directors is comprised of eight members (2 members representing St. Joseph’s, two representing LHSC, one representing the Erie-St. Clair hospitals, and three members at large).
The Plant is now 55 years old, 90% depreciated, located just south of downtown London, in SoHo. The plant is at capacity and experiencing failures in infrastructure, equipment downtime and logistical challenges accessing the facility due to year-long road construction projects with no end in sight. LHLS is on the last remaining high pressure steam line from Enwave - London District Energy, which will be decommissioned no later than 2030.
For the past four years, the operational leadership and Governance Team of LHLS has embarked on the redevelopment of LHLS, through three versions of a feasibility study. They have looked at renovating the current facility, building a new laundry, leasing a building and retrofitting it, and divestiture.
The LHLS Board had decided that divestiture was the only reasonable alternative and began this process. Subsequently, the constituent hospitals (St. Joseph’s and LHSC) communicated a desire to understand the redevelopment option, and impact this could have on the southwest region. 2024 and 2025 were spent reviewing this analysis, working with financing partners to secure funding, and collaborating with St. Joseph’s and LHSC leadership (CEO and CFO) to gain approval in principal to negotiate long term service agreements. This approval was confirmed by St. Joseph’s on March 4th, 2026, and LHSC on March 24th, 2026. With these two approvals secured, LHLS is now working to gain approval in principal from the Erie-St. Clair hospitals and other remaining customers, to satisfy the conditions of St. Joseph’s and LHSC, as well as the potential financing partner. This process will continue through the summer with a target completion of end of September 2026.
With these approvals, LHLS will be able to finalize service agreements with customers, financing agreements with a financial partner, and go to market for the design and build phase, building phase and equipment phase of this project. It is anticipated that it will take 18 to 24 months to complete construction, once all agreements are in place and finalized.
LHLS is committed to ensuring that they assist its customers in their mission of care.
Discussion took place. St. Joseph’s leadership shared that the CEO of LHLS is an extraordinary partner and that there is a good working relationship.
3. Business Arising
Standing agenda item, no business arose.
4. New Business
4.1 Enactment of the Member right as the sole Member of Lawson Research Institute
D. Ladouceur recalled to Directors that it is written in the Lawson By-Law that as the Member, St. Joseph’s Health Care London needs to pass a motion to exercise its Member right. Reference was made to a resolution listing all of the items the Member is to address at the Annual Member Meeting.
It was MOVED and SECONDED that St. Joseph’s Health Care London approves:
• the resolutions set out in Schedule “A” to these minutes; and,
• that any Director or Officer of the Corporation is authorized and directed to do any and all acts and things and execute and deliver all documents as such Director or Officer considers necessary, desirable or useful to carry out and give effect to these resolutions, including providing evidence of approval to Lawson. CARRIED.
4.2 Recognition of 2025/26 Retiring Board Members
On behalf of the full Board, D. Ladouceur offered recognition and gratitude to retiring Board Members:
A. Biswas, J. Batch, L. Cornelius, S. Marentette and N. Tahir.
4.3 Chair updates - Standing Committees of the Board
(a) Stoplight Report from Governance Committee of the Board
M. Gillett confirmed that the Governance Committee had a debrief discussion on the Board’s governing body assessment results which are related to Accreditation preparations. The survey results demonstrated a strong alignment to governance, however there are four priority areas where further work could be done. She informed that Governance Committee will map out how and when the Board will address priority areas 2, 3 and 4. It is suggested that in order to effectively make headway on priority area #1, that the Board strike a special committee. It was further suggested that the special committee report to Governance Committee as this relates to governance accreditation work and further that the membership be determined by inviting Directors to volunteer to be part of the special committee.
It was MOVED and SECONDED that in accordance with Article 8.1(b) of the Corporate By-Law, St. Joseph’s Board of directors approves the establishment of a Special Committee, the “Equity, Anti-racism and Indigenous Reconciliation Committee”. CARRIED.
ACTION: Directors to connect with the Governance Office offline if they wish to volunteer for this special committee.
ACTION: Governance Office to offer the opportunity to join the special committee to new Directors for 2026/27.
5. In-Camera Meeting
Before moving to in-camera, D. Ladouceur expressed appreciation to St. Joseph’s SLT for their support to the Board this past year.
It was MOVED and SECONDED the meeting of the Board of Directors move in-camera at 12:42 p.m.
CARRIED.
The regular meeting of the Board of Directors resumed at 2:10 p.m. Rising from the in-camera meeting, the Chair reported that the Board:
• Approved new Committee Members on Standing Committees of the Board for the 2026/27 board cycle as follows:
o Governance Committee: Andrew Horton (transfer from Health Care Ethics Committee (HCEC));
o People & Mission Committee: Kubet Weston (transfer from HCEC) and Victoria Gordon;
o Quality Committee (QC): Wendi Heal (Care Partner), Paul Bradley and Amanda Pfeffer;
o Resource Planning & Audit Committee (RPAC): Lisa Constantine (transfer from Investment Subcommittee of RPAC), Mike Elkassem (transfer from QC) and Sarhan Abu-kwiek; and,
o Investment Subcommittee of RPAC: Cassandra Lunick.
• Approve returning Committee Members on Standing Committees of the Board for the 2026/27 board cycle as follows:
o Governance Committee: Howard Rundle;
o People & Mission Committee: Theresa Mikula, Abd Alfatah Twakkal and Evan Wee
o QC: Jeanne Bank
o RPAC: Michael Campbell, Brian Jang and Scott Schofield; and,
o Investment Subcommittee of RPAC: Paaras Wadhwa.
• Approved Director assignments for 2026/27;
• Approved the RPAC representatives cross-appointed to Investment Subcommittee of RPAC: Paul Dugsin and Scott Schofield;
• Approved returning Committee Members – Appointees on Standing Committees of the Board for 2026/27 as follows:
o Richard Corneil, St. Joseph’s Health Care Society’s appointee on People & Mission Committee; and,
o Holly Suriano, the one (1) person who works in the organization and who is not a member of either the College of Physicians and Surgeons of Ontario (CPSO) or the College of Nurses of Ontario (CNO) on QC. This is a requirement of the Excellent Care for All Act 2010, Regulation 445/10.
• Received the year-end status updates from the MAC Chair and MAC Vice-Chair on the achievement of their 2025/26 goals/development opportunities; and,
• Approved the MAC Chair’s goals and the MAC Vice-Chair’s development opportunities for 2026/27.
6. Termination of Meeting
There being no further business, the Chair declared the meeting terminated at 2:11 p.m.
Schedule “A” Lawson Member Resolutions
LAWSON RESEARCH INSTITUTE
(the “Lawson”)
FORM OF RESOLUTIONS OF THE MEMBER
APPROVAL OF MINUTES
RESOLVED that the Minutes from the annual meeting of Lawson on June 19, 2024, are hereby approved.
REPORT OF THE CHAIR
RESOLVED that the Member hereby receives the report of the Chair of the Board of Directors of Lawson.
RECEIPT OF THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS AND AUDITOR’S REPORT
RESOLVED that the Member hereby receives the audited financial statements and public accountant report for the fiscal year ended on March 31, 2026 of Lawson.
APPOINTMENT OF AUDITORS
RESOLVED that KPMG are re-appointed as the auditors for Lawson to hold office until the next annual meeting of Lawson.
ELECTION OF DIRECTORS AND OFFICERS
RESOLVED that the following persons are elected as Directors of Lawson, to hold office, subject to the provisions of Lawson's By-Law, for a one-year term or until their successors are duly elected or appointed:
i) Jonathan Batch
ii) Matthew Bota (new Director)
iii) Roy Butler
iv) Lesley Cornelius
v) Paul Dugsin
vi) Don MacDonald.
BY-LAW
RECITALS:
A. It is in the best interests of the Corporation to update its by-laws to, among other things, reflect current governance practices and align with the by-laws of St. Joseph’s Health Care, London, by repealing its current by-laws and approving the general operating by-law presented to the member (the “By-law”).
B. The Directors of Lawson endorsed the By-law on the 5th day of June, 2026.
RESOLVED, AS A SPECIAL RESOLUTION OF THE MEMBER, that:
1. the By-law, a general operating By-law of Lawson relating generally to the conduct of the activities and affairs of the Lawson, is approved as the By-law of Lawson, and all previous By-laws enacted by Lawson are repealed and replaced by the By-law; and
2. any two (2) directors or officers of Lawson are hereby authorized and directed to certify a copy of the By-law as approved by the Member of the Lawson and place such certified copy in the minute book of Lawson.
APPROVAL OF THE BUDGET
RECITALS:
A. The By-law provides at section 2.12(e) that the Member of Lawson must approve the annual budget of Lawson if such budget is in deficit in excess of an amount to be determined by the Member of Lawson from time to time.
B. Lawson’s budget for the 2026-2027 fiscal year (the “Budget”) is in a deficit in the amount of $3.418M.
RESOLVED that:
1. the Member of Lawson hereby sets the amount referenced in section 2.12(e) of the By-law at $1; and,
2. the Member of Lawson hereby approves the Budget.
May 25, 2026
St. Joseph’s Hospital – Adams Boardroom A2-041 Via MS Teams video-conference
The Chair called the meeting to order at 3:30 p.m. The reflection was provided by V. Smye.
1. Full Agenda / Consent Agenda
1.1 Adoption of Full Agenda
It was MOVED and SECONDED the agenda be adopted as circulated. CARRIED.
1.2 Approval of Consent Agenda
It was MOVED and SECONDED that the Consent Agenda for the May 25, 2026 Board meeting, consisting of the recommendations and reports found in Appendix 1, be approved and/or received for information by St. Joseph’s Board of Directors. CARRIED.
2. Reports
2.1 Board Chair Remarks
D. Ladouceur reporting having attended the following events, as Board Chair, since the last meeting:
• Retirement celebration for Sandy Jansen, Vice President Patient Care and Risk Management. The event was a wonderful tribute to her career at St. Joseph’s;
• Schulich Awards of Excellence which was an evening of recognition to individuals who demonstrate outstanding leadership, curiosity and commitment to improving health care. Dr. Emil Schemitsch (surgery) received the Schulich Distinguished Researcher Award and Dr. Arlene MacDougall (psychiatry) received the Mid-Career award for Research and Innovation;
• Breakfast of Champions fundraiser hosted by St. Joseph’s Health Care Foundation in partnership with CMHA Thames Valley Addiction and Mental Health Services. This event is dedicated to mental health awareness.
(a) Report on attendance at the Ontario Hospital Association (OHA) Leadership Summit (Summit)
Annually, the OHA hosts a Summit specifically for Board Charis and Hospital CEOs. Not only is this a learning opportunity, but it is a great networking opportunity. There was an opening session for Board Chairs only with guest speaker Anne Corbett, General Counsel and Executive Lead, Legal and Risk at Ministry of Health, which focused on the role of governors. Some takeaways from her presentation include:
• An overview of the governance education sessions and platforms available to Boards;
• Confirmation that she has high regard for OHA’s Guide to Good Governance;
• Emphasis that Directors have to be attentive to the current financial situation;
• Encouragement for regional collaboration;
• Emphasizing the use of the HIROC 21 questions document which is a list of questions that Directors should ask around risk. D. Ladouceur confirmed this document is available on St. Joseph’s board portal; and,
• A suggestion that a similar question tool should be created for Boards to use around finances.
D. Ladouceur shared that the Board Chairs in attendance are committed, collaborative, strategic thinkers, focused on sustainability, committed to innovation, and they understand their role. Many are concerned about what the future holds from a financial perspective. On day two of the Summit, one of the best talks was about anchor organizations and what this means to the broader community. D. Ladouceur concluded by sharing that St. Joseph’s was one of eight spotlight organizations who presented at the Summit. Spotlight organizations are ones who are doing innovative things and R. Butler did a presentation on the Nourish Project.
(b) Schedule of all meetings to be held June 22, 2026
Reference was made to a document outlining the various meetings scheduled for June 22. It was confirmed that all meetings are in-person at Parkwood Institute and that now that the logistics are finalized, Directors will receive separate calendar appointments to help identify which meetings Directors will need to participate in. New this year, following the series of meetings, will be the President’s Awards Ceremony. This is an opportunity for both St. Joseph’s Board and the Member to acknowledge the achievements of individuals, teams, or partners who exemplify St. Joseph’s mission and brings St. Joseph’s Strategic Plan to life.
(c) Save the Date for Board-Committee Orientation on Friday September 18, 2026
The Chair announced that at the May Governance Committee meeting, initial planning began for the Board and Committee Orientation Day. Due to a few complicating factors, the orientation date chosen is a little later in September than normal and is set for Friday September 18th. This will be an in-person event and a save the date to calendars will be issued. Governance Committee will continue to finalize the agenda, speakers and logistics of the day, and the calendar appointment will be updated accordingly.
(d) 2026/27 DRAFT Board Work Plan (for review and feedback)
Reference was made to the draft work plan prepared for 2026/27. Track-changes show content additions/deletions and further, some footnotes have been added to help explain why an item was added/removed. The footnotes will not appear on the clean and final version of the work plan.
Directors were invited to send any feedback or edits to T. Cook offline by June 12th. A final draft will then be positioned in the June 22nd agenda package for Board approval.
ACTION: Directors to provide feedback to the draft 2026/27 Board Work Plan to T. Cook by June 12th.
2.2 President and Chief Executive Officer
(a) Monthly report to Board
R. Butler responded to questions raised from the written report that had been pre-circulated. In addition, he highlighted areas of current developments and issues, which included the following:
• Hospital funding letters have not been received;
• The Ministry did announce changes to rates for cancer-based quality-based procedures. This is a positive change although endoscopy was not included in these rate adjustments. The actual adjustments will come later in the fiscal year;
• Echoing the Board Chair’s comments about the OHA Leadership Summit, R. Butler described a common theme from all speakers was the important role hospitals play as anchor organizations with thought to what the future looks like;
• The Provincial Priority Action Table is conducting feasibility studies in three areas where efficiencies could be gained. More will be known in the Fall;
• The Southwest Regional Working Group continues to look at conservable bed days, mostly in acute care, surgical networks, critical care and oncology provision at satellite sites and back office/shared services.
(b) 2025/26 Q4 Corporate Performance Report and Strategic Plan Annual Aims Scorecard From the fourth quarter corporate performance results, R. Butler highlighted that:
• Financially, St. Joseph’s ended the year better than planned however it is still a deficit position;
• People indicators have moved in the right direction however absenteeism is still high and will require continued focused work;
• Quality and Safety indicators – the Quality Improvement Plan goals were achieved. Other quality targets continue to have challenges and there is a lot of discussion around the implementation of OneChart Phase II.
(c) Strategic Plan – Year One Accomplishments
R. Butler explained that although the equity, diversity, inclusion and belonging indicator in the pillar of Partnering for Impact shows green in the agenda package it should be a yellow because St. Joseph’s is not as far along in this work as it expected to be.
R. Butler informed that for next year, the Senior Leadership Team (SLT) is tightening up how St. Joseph’s will measure success against the strategic plan annual aims so that there will be a greater understanding of what the stoplight colours mean.
(d) Enterprise Risk Management program – 2026 Spring Risk Summary update
R. Butler recalled to Directors that the current ERM was refreshed with third party consultant and that a refresh occurs every three years. St. Joseph’s is in the third year of the cycle and will be refreshing the ERM in 2027. The Board receives updates twice a year and has previously asked for all material, not just a dashboard. The Board has also previously determined that due to the broad range of risks, the report would not go through a Committee of the Board, but to come directly to the Board.
The two areas that have had the most movement, from their initial risk rating to their target risk rating, is on the people side.
R. Butler explained the process for reviewing ERM before it is presented to the Board as follows:
• Updates to the set ERM are facilitated by Ruth Bullas;
• Each of the risks have an assigned risk owner and those owners provide the updated content;
• This follows KPMG’s framework as a best practice for health care;
• St. Joseph’s SLT then receives the completed report, with all the detail and debrief discussion is held.
The Board engaged in discussion. From a Board oversight perspective, the Board needs to ensure the right processes are in place surrounding these risks to effect mitigation of the risks. The Board questioned as to when should it expect the needle to move on the other 9 risks? Reply was given that the target risk rating was set to be three-years out. It was suggested that some target risk ratings are ambitious and the Board can always revisit the targets and have a conversation about adjusting them. The Board agreed it would like more time with the current risks as they are set. The Board requested to add to the materials a three-year graph, so the Board can see if there is movement.
It was MOVED and SECONDED that St. Joseph’s Board of Directors approve the revised Enterprise Risk Management program, as presented. CARRIED.
ACTION: ERM materials to be updated to include a three-year graph to track movement.
2.3 Medical Advisory Committee (MAC) Chair
L. Lyons shared that Doctor’s Day was May 1st and many celebrations were held across the organization in addition to recognition through social media. She informed that the Ministry of Labour mandated a deadline for all health service providers to be fitted N95 masks. The deadline imposed by the Ministry was May 15th with the consequence of not being able to practice after May 29th. This is part of pandemic preparedness. Much work was done to fit approximately 300 individuals. There may be only one Credentialed Professional Staff (CPS) not fitted by May 29th. L. Lyons announced that the MAC will be bringing all applications for CPS reappointment forward at the June Board meeting.
2.4 Quality Report
(a) Patient, Resident, Caregiver story
As part of the Board’s focus on Quality, the Board has been receiving updates/stories from the senior leaders at St. Joseph’s. Patricia Superville, Vice President External Relations, Communication and Risk, shared a story demonstrating how St. Joseph’s Mission, Vision and Values are experienced by patients through moments. The story was about two volunteers who through a number of small but meaningful moments helped to bring a sense of normalcy to a patient’s experience.
(b) 2025/26 Q4 Quality Results
P. Cassidy confirmed to the Board that the Committee debrief thoroughly on the fourth quarter quality results. He referenced the Committee’s minutes of their May meeting as support to the Committee’s review of the results. P. Cassidy thanked V. Capewell and her team for preparing the materials for presentation to the Committee.
2.5 St. Joseph’s Health Care Foundation
J. Nash shared there has been positive feedback from attendees at the Breakfast of Champions and on behalf of the Foundation Board extended thanks to the Hospital Board for their strong attendance and support. He informed that the Foundation is wrapping up a six-month review process related to the development of a strategic revenue growth map in order to meet the future needs of the hospital. This
work has identified several opportunities for growth that will be the focus for the Foundation over the next 5 years. The Foundation Board hopes to share this framework with the Hospital Board in the Fall.
At the Foundation Board meeting last week, the Board approved $355,000 to St. Joseph’s to support the renovation of the Trauma and Violence Specialized Primary Care Program. This reno is not available through operational funding and the Foundation was eager and pleased to be able to support.
2.6 St. Joseph’s Professional Staff Organization (PSO)
A. Biswas provided an update on the activities of the PSO highlighting the following:
• Each LHSC and St. Joseph’s has a PSO, but all meetings are held jointly
• The PSO has been working on developing strategic goals and vision, and have landed on four areas of focus:
o Foster an environment of trust and dignity
o Create an open and safe system for concerns
o Encourage and enhance participation and engagement
o Support recruitment and retention
• PSO’s are required by legislation to exist and required to have three general meetings in a year. At these meetings, presentations are given about hot topics. This year’s presentations included:
o Ontario Medical Association & OneChart Updates
o Teams Thrive & Patients Survive when Civility Matters
o Planetary Health in Practice & AI Scribes
• The PSO’s Annual Meeting is scheduled for June 2 and St. Joseph’s Board is invited to attend;
• The PSO supports physician leadership development and also sponsors individuals to attend the Canadian Conference on Physician Leadership; and,
• Several celebrations occurred throughout the year: Residents Day, Doctors Day, and the PSO Recognition and Reward Award.
A. Biswas concluded his presentation by announcing that his term as PSO President concludes this June and the executive elections are under way.
2.7 Lawson Research Institute (Lawson)
J. Batch reported on the work the Lawson Board of Directors has been involved with over the last year. He shared the Board is hoping to add a few new Directors for 2026/27 and their focus is on recruiting individuals with governance and research expertise. In addition to this governance work, the Board is updating its Corporate By-Law and introducing foundational Board policies.
On the research side an important milestone that has taken place with St. Joseph’s receiving Canada’s first positron emission tomography/magnetic resonance imagery (PET/MRI) scanner dedicated to research into rapid and accurate diagnosis of mental health conditions including post-traumatic stress and depression. Recruitment for Research Chairs is also under way.
Lawson has been actively establishing internal operational structures in response to the dissolution transition and has secured a dedicated finance team.
In conclusion, the Lawson Board is pleased how Lawson is navigating one of its most significant transitions while maintaining award winning research and innovation.
2.8 Western University
J. Yoo, Dean Schulich School of Medicine & Dentistry, expressed appreciation to St. Joseph’s Board and SLT for attending the Schulich Awards of Excellence. The individuals awarded are Schulich faculty but are also CPS at the hospital.
He updated the Board about the Physician Assistant Program starting in September which is a new category of learners. The process for launching the program has gone through all quality checks at the University but needs to go to the Ministry for approval. Although not officially launched, Schulich has taken pre-applications for 30 spots and has had over 300 applicants!
J. Yoo reminded the Board that July 1st is the time when new Residents and Fellows start in hospitals assisting CPS in their patient interactions. This year there will be 220 new Residents and 126 new Fellows in the system forming part of almost 1300 in the system right now. On the faculty side, Schulich has recruited 75 new faculty members this past year and by the end of the year it will be close to 100.
He confirmed that recruitment of Chairs/Department Heads is under way for the following departments: Ophthalmology, Pathology & Laboratory Medicine, Medical Imaging, Family Medicine, Anesthesia & Perioperative Medicine, Surgery and Emergency Medicine. This is co-led by himself and A. Dukelow, Integrated Vice President Medical & Academic Affairs, and there is a good working partnership. He expressed appreciation to Directors for participating on the Search Committees.
3. Business Arising
Standing agenda item, no business arose.
4. New Business
4.1 Resource Planning & Audit Committee Recommendations (RPAC) St. Joseph’s 2025/26 Year End Results and Draft Audited Financial Statements
J. Melchers confirmed the external audit has been completed by Ernst & Young (EY) and that EY will be issuing a clean audit opinion. EY shared with RPAC that there was good collaboration between EY and the St. Joseph’s Finance Team. J. Melchers highlighted the following related to the year-end financial results and audit:
• St. Joseph’s ended the fiscal with an accounting deficit of $4.7 million compared to a planned deficit of $31.5 million. This is St. Joseph’s first deficit position in over 156 years;
• St. Joseph’s continues to have strong working capital and liquidity positions. St. Joseph’s current ratio is 1.63 ratio which is lower that what St. Joseph’s must maintain in accordance with the Hospital Service Accountability Agreement;
• The investment portfolio performed strongly however this was not sufficient enough to offset the gap between revenues and expenses;
• During the year, the Ministry of Health completed several funding reconciliations from prior years resulting in the recognition of a one-time injection of $5.5M;
• Looking ahead, some risks include: ongoing and growing unfavourable variances across the organization; Hospital Sector Stabilization Plan impacts and interest/investment income. Opportunities include: 2026/27 funding announcements, Project Tyche, interest/investment income;
• EY conducted additional audits and further testing of internal controls and found nothing to report;
• St. Joseph's holds significant long-term investments in government bonds, debentures and other fixed income securities, and equities, which have fluctuating fair market values. EY noted a judgmental difference relating to prolonged decline in fair value of one investment overstating realized investment income. This is of no concern but it is something to note.
The Board engaged in discussion and Directors expressed appreciation of the details of the financial reports and for the additional commentary provided by the RPAC Chair.
It was MOVED and SECONDED that St. Joseph’s Board of Directors endorse and recommend to St. Joseph’s Health Care Society the approval of the audited financial statements for the year ended March 31, 2026. CARRIED.
4.2 Health Care Ethics and People & Mission Committees – Draft 2025/26 Annual Report on Mission, Spiritual Care and Health Care Ethics (for review and feedback)
V. Smye, Chair of People & Mission Committee (PMC), informed that the report was prepared through the collective efforts of St. Joseph's leaders specifically Karen Perkin, Charles O’Hanlon, Marleen VanLaethem, Dale Nikkel, St. Joseph’s Communications Team, and a number of other staff. She confirmed that that both the PMC and the Health Care Ethics Committee of the Board have previewed the content and are supportive of the draft report. The draft report is presented to the full Board for review, input as to possible edits, additions, deletions and for the Board’s overall support. The report will be presented to St. Joseph's Health Care Society (Society) at the Annual Meeting of the Members on June 22 and fulfills the Board's accountabilities to its owners, the Society.
It was confirmed that due to the sunsetting of Health Care Ethics Committee the report will continue to be developed through the People & Mission Committee.
ACTION: Directors to provide any feedback or edits to the Annual Report on Mission, Spiritual Care and Health Care Ethics to T. Cook offline by May 29th.
4.3 Chair Updates from Standing Committees of the Board
(a) Stoplight Reports from People & Mission Committee of the Board
V. Smye referenced the stoplight report from the PMC. Although a green report, it is being highlighted to strengthen the visibility due to the Board having accountability to ensure St. Joseph’s exercises due diligence in supporting staff safety, well-being, and a safe work and care environment by meeting statutory obligations under the Occupational Health and Safety Act (OHSA) and Workplace Safety and Insurance Act (WSIA).
This work is an important part of PMC’s mandate and is reviewed and discussed twice throughout the year. Moving forward, PMC will submit an annual report to the Board.
Discussion took place and it was confirmed that the Board is assured PMC is doing the work such that the final report can be presented on the Consent Agenda. It was also confirmed that this will be added to the Board’s work plan “to receive from PMC the Annual Compliance Assessment – Occupational Health and Safety Act (OHSA) and Workplace Safety and Insurance Act (WSIA)”.
(b) Stoplight Reports from Quality Committee of the Board
P. Cassidy spoke to the stoplight on ambulatory medical reconciliation. While there is some frustration about the lack of movement on this target, it is not a case of it not being done but rather a challenge related to incompatible systems to do the work.
He then highlighted the successes of the Regional Geriatric Program which seeks to distribute and elevate the standard of care for regional geriatric patients.
5. In-Camera Meeting
It was MOVED and SECONDED the meeting of the Board of Directors move in-camera at 5:01 p.m.
CARRIED.
The regular meeting of the Board of Directors resumed at 6:04 p.m. Rising from the in-camera meeting, the Chair reported that:
• The Board approved four New Directors entering a first 3-year term: Mat Daley, Paul King, Anne-Marie Sanchez and Taimi Williamson; and,
• The Board approved that CEO, Roy Butler, has achieved 93.33% of his established goals for 2025/26 to be paid as performance-based compensation equating to $58,639.05.
6. Termination of Meeting
There being no further business, the Chair declared the meeting terminated at 6:05 p.m.
April 27, 2026
St. Joseph’s Hospital – Adams Boardroom A2-041 and via MS Teams video-conference
The Chair called the meeting to order at 3:30 p.m. The reflection was provided by S. Boe.
Education Session
Trauma and Violence Specialized Primary Care Program (TVSPCP)
K. Perkin introduced Dr. Susan McNair, Cassandra Fisher and Mary Mueller from the primary care team.
Together, S. McNair and C. Fisher educated the Board about the program explaining that the TVSPCP provides care for individuals experiencing, or who have experienced, trauma, such as sexual assault, intimate partner violence, childhood abuse, exploitation or community violence. This program is a first-of-its-kind in North America and approaches care in a meaningful, compassionate and therapeutic way to address patient’s physical, mental, social and spiritual needs.
TVSPCP was developed to fill a long-standing gap in care for people whose trauma has created barriers to accessing traditional primary care. Because trauma extends beyond a specific event or experience, profoundly disrupting a person’s sense of safety, connection, and ability to function. This can become biologically embedded in the brain, shaping stress response, brain development and behaviour and lead to chronic illness and social vulnerability. TVSPCP at St. Joseph’s recognizes that many adult health conditions are not random or disconnected, but understandable adaptations to early adversity.
Equity-oriented and trauma-informed care is offered by an interdisciplinary team (manager, nursing, medicine, social work, social service work, reception staff, research associate). The first patient was seen in October 2025. Statistics were shared summarizing the clinical activity to date. Quantitative metrics are being measured. Research and education are both embedded in the TVSPCP. St.
Joseph’s has the capacity to make this program a provincial scalable model, and beyond.
Discussion took place and the Board expressed appreciation for St. Joseph’s
addressing this gap and the positive impact this is having on a vulnerable population. It was confirmed the program is located within the hospital and is integrating opportunities for learning to Resident medical school graduates.
On behalf of the Board, the Chair thanked the guests for the powerful presentation and stated that the Board would welcome an update on the TVSPCP, the research, and metrics at a future date.
C. Fisher, S. McNair and M. Mueller left the meeting at 4:10 p.m.
1. Full Agenda / Consent Agenda
1.1 Adoption of Full Agenda
It was MOVED and SECONDED the agenda be adopted as circulated. CARRIED.
1.2 Approval of Consent Agenda
The Chair shared that prior to today’s meeting a request was received for an update on how the Health Care Ethics Committee (HCEC) reacted to the decision to elevate ethics across all Committees and the Board which resulted in the sunsetting of HCEC. D. Ladouceur confirmed that she was present at the meeting where the information was shared and it was well received. The Committee members appreciated the opportunity to provide input on how to elevate and integrate ethics throughout the entire Board and Committee structure. J. Tufts, Chair of HCEC, had presented a first draft of recommendations for HCEC’s discernment. A final report will be received by Governance Committee who will then put forward final recommendations to the Board.
It was MOVED and SECONDED that the Consent Agenda for the April 27, 2026 Board meeting, consisting of the recommendations and reports found in Appendix 1, be approved and/or received for information by St. Joseph’s Board of Directors. CARRIED.
2. Reports
2.1 Board Chair Remarks
D. Ladouceur reminded Directors that tomorrow is the due date for them to complete a Board Chair evaluation. She invited Directors to complete the evaluation stating that the feedback will assist her as she enters her second year as Board Chair.
She then informed that there are two seats available for the Schulich Awards of Excellence being held May 13th. Directors were invited to connect with T. Cook offline if they are interested in attending.
D. Ladouceur introduced and welcomed Amanda Thibeault who is acting as a guest observer for today’s meeting because as of May 1st, she will become a member of the Board in her new role as Vice President, Patient Care at Parkwood Institute Main Building and Mount Hope Centre for Long Term Care and Chief Nursing Executive. D. Ladouceur then proceeded to give special recognition to K. Perkin as she retires having served at St. Joseph’s for over 40 years.
2.2 President and Chief Executive Officer
R. Butler responded to questions raised from the written report that had been pre-circulated. In addition, he highlighted areas of current developments and issues, which included the following:
• Hospitals have not received their funding letters but these are anticipated late May or early June;
• The Ontario Hospital Association (OHA) offered a two-part education session on the Fundamentals of Financial Oversight for Hospital Boards. R. Butler participated as did a few Directors from St. Joseph’s Board;
• April 13, 2026, the Ontario Government introduced a Buy Ontario Procurement Directive. The key change is that the competitive bidding threshold will increase and preference will be provided to procuring from Ontario companies ;
• D. Ladouceur and R. Butler will be attending the OHA’s Leadership Summit for Board Chairs and CEOs later this week, and will report back to the Board on the activities of the Summit;
• On April 9, in partnership with government and community organizations including St. Joseph’s, Indwell opened Coves Landing, a 50-unit supportive housing development at 46 Elmwood Place in London. There are seven beds slated in a separate section within this building for individuals with dual diagnosis;
• Recognition was given to Sandy Jansen, Vice President Patient Care and Risk Management, as this is her last Board meeting due to her upcoming retirement. The Board was invited to join in a celebration of S. Jansen being held May 7th;
• In addition to the CEO’s announcement about the hiring of A. Thibeault to the position of Vice President, Patient Care at Parkwood Institute Main Building and Mount Hope Centre for Long Term Care and Chief Nursing Executive, there was also another announcement about the hiring of Sarah-Jane Adams as Vice President, Patient Care at St. Joseph’s Hospital effective June 1, 2026; and,
• This year’s Breakfast of Champions fundraising event is 98% sold. He thanked St. Joseph’s Health Care Foundation on their work to put together the event.
(b) Dashboard for Reporting Compliance
R. Butler recalled that this is a tool the Board uses to track its reporting compliance. The report is presented to the Board for information twice a year. The Senior Leadership Team reviewed the April update at a meeting earlier this month and supports the content which shows compliance in all areas.
2.3 Medical Advisory Committee (MAC) Chair
L. Lyons explained that the Practice Ontario initiative allows internationally trained family medical physicians into Ontario’s healthcare system. These individuals are assessed and mentored on site for 12 weeks following which they can then practice medicine in rural and northern communities, ensuring that underserved areas have access to primary care.
She then shared that the MAC continues to support Credentialed Professional Staff (CPS) in the OneChart Phase II transition and extensive efforts have been made to inform staff about the discontinuation of transcription services coming June 30, 2026. The goal is to shift all CPS to front-end dictation with the support from Health Information Management and Information Technology Services.
L. Lyons confirmed there are several recruitments under way for Chair/Department Head positions. She thanked Directors for their participation in these search efforts.
To conclude her report, she stated that the annual CPS reappointment process has closed and the reappointment reports will be coming to the Board for approval at the June meeting.
2.4 Quality Report
(a) Patient, Resident, Caregiver story
As part of the Board’s focus on Quality, the Board has been receiving updates/stories from the senior leaders at St. Joseph’s. A. Dukelow, Integrated Vice President Medical and Academic Affairs shared a story about a patient admitted to the Spinal Cord Injury (SCI) Rehabilitation Program at Parkwood Institute. This patient had acquired a stage 4 pressure injury at another site and A. Dukelow explained how the management of the pressure injury is paramount to ensure the patient does not develop additional complications, can heal in a timely manner, can participate in rehabilitation and can eventually transition to home. He shared how staff in the SCI Rehabilitation Program identified opportunities to improve care and successfully implemented strategies to better meet patients’ needs.
3. Business Arising
Standing agenda item, no business arose.
4. New Business
No new business arose.
5. In-Camera Meeting
It was MOVED and SECONDED the meeting of the Board of Directors move in-camera at 4:27 p.m.
Thank you for the kind words about St. Joseph’s, and thank you for confirming you have read the document package in Step #1.
Your response has now prompted the next step in St. Joseph's nomination, selection and onboarding process. Step #2 involves the sharing of another set of documents for you to review. This includes learning more about the Board/Committee’s governing documents (i.e. policies and By-Law) and the completion of a Criminal Records and Judicial Matters Check (CRJMC).
Via a separate email from SharePoint, you will receive an invitation/link to view the Board policy package. Upon your review of these policies you are asked to sign and return the following PDF-fillable forms, which are also found as part of the link provided above:
1. Annual Declaration and Consent; and,
2. Fixing Long-Term Care Act Disclosure and Declaration.
Kindly download the two “SIGN-BACK” files to your device. Then open them as these PDF-fillable forms allow you to type into, affix an electronic signature, save and email it back to
me. Alternatively, you can print the form, fill it in manually and scan it and email it (or fax) back to me at @email or fax 519-646-6054.
If you have any questions upon your review of these policies kindly connect with me.
In response to the Fixing Long-Term Care Act (FLTCA), we require a CRJMC. The CRJMC must be dated within the last six (6) months. The information released on a CRJMC includes:
- Criminal convictions from Canadian Police Information Centre and/or local police records
- Findings of guilt under the Youth Criminal Justice Act if allowed by law
- Absolute and conditional discharges
- Charges before the court or judicial order
CRJMC can be obtained through London Police Services or the Ontario Provincial Police. Your legal (residential) address dictates where you must submit your request for a CRJMC. You can initiate your application on-line, based on your legal address at either:
Ontario Provincial Police online Record Check Applications: https://www.opp.ca/index.php?id=147&lng=en
City of London online Record Check Applications: https://www.londonpolice.ca/en/services/Criminal-Record-and-Judicial-Matters.aspx#Fee-and-payment
Both websites walk you through the steps quite logically. If you require help on the site, please call me to help walk you through it (519-646-6100 x 64202). If you are unsure where to apply, the OPP website actually has a service where you can type in your address and it will confirm whether your application is through OPP or not. Please ensure you request a Criminal Records and Judicial Matters Check as there are three different types of records checks available. You may or may not need a letter from St. Joseph’s supporting your application which verifies you are a current volunteer with the Board/Committees of the Board – if you are prompted to provide this, please email me and I will supply you with the verification letter. Any cost associated with obtaining the check will be reimbursed by St. Joseph’s Health Care London, upon your request, and upon submission of proof of payment.
If there is a significant delay in receiving the CRJMC that is beyond the control of the candidate, at the discretion of the Board Chair and President and CEO, an offer to sit on the Committee may be extended contingent upon receipt of a CRJMC. The Committee Member may proceed with the nomination process, commence orientation and training and attend meetings in this circumstance.
The presence of an unclear CRJMC does not automatically disqualify a candidate from a position. If necessary, St. Joseph’s reserves the right to request additional information and clarification from the candidate.
In the event a criminal record is disclosed, each situation will be assessed by the Governance Committee to determine to what extent the individual would pose a risk. Consideration will be given to the following factors:
- The nature of the offence(s) and the number of convictions;
- The sentence(s) received;
- The length of time since the most recent conviction;
- Any rehabilitative efforts made by the candidate;
- The specific duties and responsibilities of the position and the relevance of the particular criminal conviction to the position; and,
- Any other factors deemed relevant.
Individuals who fail to provide the criminal record check, having been requested to do so, will not qualify to serve on a Committee.
Further, it is the expectation of the Board and St. Joseph’s that applicants and Committee Members discharge their ongoing disclosure obligations regarding criminal charges or convictions in a candid, honest, thorough and accurate manner. Failure to do so may constitute reasonable grounds to refuse an application for appointment or re-appointment, or removal from the Committee.
On behalf of the Nominating Subcommittee of the Governance Committee of the Board, I look forward to receiving your two (2) signed forms and a copy of your CRJMC once you receive same. I will then be able to confirm the final step in the nomination, selection and onboarding process.
Kind regards,
Terri-Lynn Cook,
Executive Assistant, Board Governance St. Joseph’s Board of Directors
519-646-6100 x 64202
We are collecting your personal information under the authority of the Public Hospitals Act R.S.0 1990, c. P.40. and will kept on file as part of our onboarding process. If you have questions about the collection of this information, contact St. Joseph's Health Care London, Executive Assistant to the Board of Directors, 268 Grosvenor Street, London, Ontario, N6A 4V2. 519-646-6100 ext. 64202.
CARRIED.
The regular meeting of the Board of Directors resumed at 7:10 p.m.
Rising from the in-camera meeting, the Chair reported that the Board approved:
• Janet Tufts as a Director entering a second 3-year term;
• Donna Ladouceur and Mary Gillett as Directors with a 1-year extension pursuant to By-Law Article 4.9(b)(ii);
• Donna Ladouceur as Chair and Mary Gillett as Vice Chair, for a one-year term;
• Philip Griffin as its representative and Member of London Hospital Linen Services; and,
• The CEO’s performance goals for 2026/27.
6. Termination of Meeting
There being no further business, the Chair declared the meeting terminated at 7:12 p.m.
March 30, 2026
St. Joseph’s Hospital – Adams Boardroom A2-041 and Via MS Teams video-conference
The Chair called the meeting to order at 3:30 p.m. The reflection was provided by L. Livingstone.
1. Full Agenda / Consent Agenda
1.1 Adoption of Full Agenda
Request was made for Consent Agenda item #D1 “Internal Audit Plan 2026/27” to be removed and discussed on the main agenda. The Chair confirmed the item will be added under New Business as Item #4.3b.
It was MOVED and SECONDED the agenda be adopted as amended. CARRIED.
1.2 Approval of Consent Agenda
It was MOVED and SECONDED that the Consent Agenda for the March 30, 2026 Board meeting, consisting of the recommendations and reports found in Appendix 1, with the exception of item #D1 which was removed, be approved and/or received for information by St. Joseph’s Board of Directors. CARRIED.
2. Reports
2.1 Board Chair Remarks
D. Ladouceur reported that she attended the Sisters of St. Joseph Awards held March 19th. She acknowledged other Directors having attended as well. She shared that the ceremony offers a heart-felt reminder of what it means to live out the values of St. Joesph’s and what excellence, reliability, honesty, efficiency, creativity, respect, caring, compassion, empathy and a positive attitude look like in the everyday moments of work and life. The stories from this year’s four recipients honoured the legacy of the Sisters and their commitment to compassionate care. D. Ladouceur encouraged Directors to consider attending the event next year if they are available.
2.2 President and Chief Executive Officer
R. Butler responded to questions raised from the written report that had been pre-circulated. In addition, he highlighted areas of current developments and issues, which included the following:
• The provincial budget was released last Thursday with a projected deficit of $13.8B in 2026/27.
R. Butler outlined the funding specifics related to healthcare;
• The Ontario Hospital Association (OHA) is holding a sector call on April 1st where members will hear more from the OHA on its perspective about the provincial budget;
• Hospitals should receive their funding letters in the next couple weeks;
• The province is looking at establishing a province wide primary care medical record system. There are no further details on what that is going to look like;
• The Public Sector Salary disclosure was released this past Friday. In short there are additional people on St. Joseph’s report primarily because there was an extra pay period in 2025, which captures an extra two weeks of pay;
• The Sisters of St. Joseph Award ceremony was held March 19th and four recipients were recognized;
• The PET/MRI arrived this past Saturday and was installed through the roof of the fifth floor;
• The Homes for Heros project at Parkwood Institute broke ground earlier this month;
• "Project Tyche" was launched in fiscal 2025/26 as a multi-phase roadmap focused on financial efficiencies and ensuring the organization’s long-term financial stability is in alignment with its strategic objectives. One strategy announced last week is to benchmark professional staff across all programs and services. This will start with Mental Health in April; and
• Karen Perkin’s retirement celebration will occur on Friday April 17th. Sandy Jansen’s celebration date will be communicated to the Board once confirmed.
(b) St. Joseph’s Strategic Plan Annual Aims 2026/27
R. Butler informed that there has been greater engagement in building and determining the year-two aims. The Senior Leadership Team (SLT) engaged Directors, Physician Leaders and other key strategic leads within the organization. 14 aims are proposed, which is fewer than year-one which gives consideration to the bandwidth of leaders and staff. This was well-received by leaders throughout St. Joseph’s. There are six aims related to Excellence in Care, Powered by Discovery, six aims related to A Vibrant Workforce and two aims related to Partnering for Impact.
Discussion took place. It was stated that not every year-two aim will have a direct relationship to the “By 2030” statements, but they will help advance work to meet the “By 2030” statements.
It was MOVED and SECONDED that St. Joseph’s Board of Directors approve the strategic plan annual aims 2026/27, as presented. CARRIED.
2.3 Medical Advisory Committee (MAC) Chair
L. Lyons informed that the sixth session in the physician leadership series was held. The topic was Inclusive Leadership. It was the final session of the series and a graduation celebration also took place. The physician leadership series was well supported by A. Dukelow, M. Kahng and T. Pace. A new series is being planned for the Fall and the first session will focus on the roll out of the Management of Credentialed Professional Staff Professionalism Guideline to ensure there is understanding of it.
She reported the Credentialed Professional Staff reappointment process, which runs concurrently with LHSC’s process, is under way. The deadline for reapplication is March 31st.
L. Lyons shared that OneChart Phase 2 is live and moving toward ending transcription in June. Communications will be coming out to staff about this change.
L. Lyons concluded her report by thanking Directors for their participation on several Chair/Department Head Selection Committee recruitments that are currently under way.
V. Doria joined the meeting at 4:10 p.m.
2.4 Quality Report
(a) Patient, Resident, Caregiver story
As part of the Board’s focus on Quality, the Board has been receiving updates/stories from the senior leaders at St. Joseph’s. Michelle Campbell, President & CEO St. Joseph’s Health Care Foundation, introduced Vicky Doria who is one of this year’s recipients of Sisters of St. Joseph Award. V. Doria shared a personal story about her mother who is a patient at Parkwood Institute. She spoke about the compassionate care given by all staff on 5B South.
V. Capewell joined the meeting at 4:15 p.m. V. Doria left the meeting at 4:16 p.m.
(b) Quality Improvement Plan (QIP) 2026/27
P. Cassidy, Chair of Quality Committee, stated that V. Capewell and her team presented the QIP at the March Quality Committee meeting and that it is a legislated requirement that hospitals prepare and submit an annual QIP. Discussion ensued and a friendly amendment was proposed related to the introductory sentence of the bulleted list under the Palliative Care section so that there is no misinterpretation of MAiD assessments.
It was MOVED and SECONDED that St. Joseph’s Board of Directors approves the 2026/27 Quality Improvement Plan for St. Joseph’s Health Care London and Mount Hope Centre for Long Term Care, along with the 2025-26 Quality Improvement Plan Narrative with the friendly amendment to the Palliative Care section as described in these minutes. CARRIED.
V. Capewell left the meeting at 4:25 p.m.
3. Business Arising
Standing agenda item, no business arose.
4. New Business
4.1 Executive Committee Recommendation – Executive Compensation tied to the 2026/27 Quality Improvement Plan
D. Ladouceur stated that annually the Board is to approve which of the indicators from the QIP are to be tied to executive compensation for the CEO and Vice Presidents of St. Joseph’s. R. Butler explained that the Quality Committee sets the QIP, and from that the Vice-President People & Mission works with the CEO to identify potential indicators from the QIP that can be tied to compensation. Favour is given to indicators that span across the organization and are not limited to just one site. The narrowed down indicators are then presented to the Executive Committee for discussion and final determination.
It was MOVED and SECONDED that St. Joseph’s Board of Directors approve the 2026/27 Quality Improvement Plan metrics to be tied to executive compensation, as presented. CARRIED.
4.2 Governance Committee Recommendation – Board Committee Structure
M. Gillett recalled for Directors that at the Board Retreat, participants discussed a recommendation presented by Borden Ladner Gervais to transition from having a Health Care Ethics Committee (HCEC) to strength and embed ethical discernment throughout all Committees of the Board. The Governance Committee formalized the recommendation from the Board Retreat and further directed the HCEC to make some recommendations on ways to strengthen and integrate ethical discernment across the Board and all of its Committees. HCEC will work through this over its last few meetings.
R. Butler added that following the Board Retreat, he and D. Ladouceur held a meeting with the Bishop to inform him of where St. Joseph’s Board would be heading. R. Corneil also shared the same message with St. Joseph’s Health Care Society (Society). Both the Bishop and the Society understood and support the direction.
Discussion was held and there was consensus to change the word “strengthened” to “integrated” which has more of an active meaning.
It was MOVED AND SECONDED that St. Joseph’s Board of Directors approve transitioning the Health Care Ethics Committee of the Board to a new model whereby there is no longer a formal committee, effective June 22, 2026, but ethical discernment is integrated across the Board and all of its Committees. CARRIED.
4.3 Resource Planning & Audit Committee (RPAC) Recommendation – Operating Budget 2026/27
J. Melchers announced that St. Joseph’s is projecting a $28.9M budget deficit in 2026/27 (~4.4% of total budget). He confirmed that a 2% increase to global base funding was used as an assumption. St. Joseph’s inflationary assumptions for salaries, benefits and supplies were used, not the ones given by the Ministry through HSSP. J. Melchers stated that non-union compensation benefits and Phase 2 of OneChart are a couple of unique drivers to the budget this year. J. Melchers noted that investment income was conservatively raised by $1M. He further highlighted the risk considerations and how those can be mitigated.
He informed that St. Joseph’s continues to advocate for funding in several areas, including sufficient funding to address our structural Long-Term Care deficit, and additional funding to support increases over funded volumes, specifically in urgent care and quality-based procedures.
It was MOVED and SECONDED that St. Joseph’s Board of Directors approve the 2026/27 operating budget and related accountability agreements (H-SAA, L-SAA and M-SAA).
CARRIED.
4.3 b Internal Audit Plan 2026/27
J. Melchers informed that RPAC has reviewed the audit plan twice. The reason being is that RPAC wanted KPMG to go back and expand their scope of the accounts payable review. There is no concern about risk of fraud, it is just an opportunity to provide additional assurances related to St. Joseph’s own internal controls.
Discussion ensued. Comment was made there are good checks and balance in the system, and the Board is assured of the processes in place. It was confirmed that if the internal auditors were to come back with additional recommendations, there is follow-up that happens at RPAC to work through those recommendations. It was also confirmed that KPMG does provide RPAC with updates and feedback on the audits as they are completed and also provides status updates on the audits in progress.
It was MOVED and SECONDED that St. Joseph’s Board of Directors approve the 2026/27 internal audit plan. CARRIED.
4.4 Chair updates - Standing Committees of the Board
(a) Stoplight Report from Quality Committee of the Board No questions arose.
5. In-Camera Meeting
It was MOVED and SECONDED the meeting of the Board of Directors move in-camera at 4:50 p.m.
CARRIED.
The regular meeting of the Board of Directors resumed at 6:26 p.m.
6. Termination of Meeting
There being no further business, the Chair declared the meeting terminated at 6:26 p.m.
February 23, 2026
St. Joseph’s Hospital – Adams Boardroom A2-041 Via MS Teams video-conference
MINUTES
The Chair called the meeting to order at 3:30 p.m. The reflection was provided by A. Biswas.
Full Agenda / Consent Agenda
1.1 Adoption of Full Agenda
It was MOVED and SECONDED the agenda be adopted as circulated. CARRIED.
1.2 Approval of Consent Agenda
It was MOVED and SECONDED that the Consent Agenda for the February 23, 2026 Board meeting, consisting of the recommendations and reports found in Appendix 1, be approved and/or received for information by St. Joseph’s Board of Directors.
CARRIED.
Reports
1.3 Board Chair Remarks
D. Ladouceur reminded Directors about the upcoming Board Retreat scheduled for March 5th and confirmed that a formal agenda will be circulated shortly. She further reminded Directors of the due date of February 28th to complete the HSO Governance Survey.
1.4 President and Chief Executive Officer
R. Butler responded to questions raised from the written report that had been pre-circulated. In addition, he highlighted areas of current developments and issues, which included the following:
• The provincial budget timelines have not been articulated but should happen shortly after the Ontario Legislature resumes March 23, 2026;
• Ontario Health priorities include: shortening waitlists in surgery and diagnostic imaging, funding accelerated for specific treatments, digital health modernization, expanding health professionals scope, primary care action team, and screening and prevention;
• The Ontario Health Association (OHA) has been drawing a picture about the demands and realities of health care in the province as part of pre-budget advocacy;
• The OHA also continues with its advocacy efforts on funding, innovation and transformation, regional capacity planning, etc.,
• St. Joseph’s is implementing strategies to find efficiencies in all areas: clinical, operational, and administrative, but it is not going to be enough to balance the budget; and,
• Ontario Health has communicated that low risk activities identified on the Hospital Sector Stabilization Plan submission can proceed.
(b) 2025/26 Q3 Corporate Performance Report and Strategic Plan Annual Aims Scorecard
R. Butler highlighted the following indicators from the corporate performance report and their third quarter performance:
• Financial indicator is on target due to investment income;
• Absenteeism and first year turnover are higher than their targets. Staff attendance is going to be addressed through the Project Tyche initiative. Further investigations are being undertaken to understand what is driving first year turnover and this will be presented back to the People & Mission Committee for their review;
• On the quality and safety indicators, there is a mix of where the target is being met and where it is not; and,
• St. Joseph’s is meeting its H-SAA volumes.
Related to the strategic plan annual aims, half have been achieved, half are in progress and one is in the red as work tied to the Partnership Engagement Framework has not been started.
(c) L-SAA Declaration for Compliance 2025/26
Reference was made to the annual attestation which is required to confirm from both a finance and clinical perspective that St. Joseph's is compliant with all requirements of the agreement. St. Joseph's is reporting compliance with one exception which is an exception that has been reported in the same manner for several years. There have not been any implications to reporting this exception in past.
It was MOVED and SECONDED that St. Joseph’s Board of Directors approve and provide the CEO authorization to sign and submit the 2025/26 Declaration of Compliance on its behalf pursuant to the Long-Term Care Service Accountability Agreement for Mount Hope Centre for Long Term Care. CARRIED.
1.5 Medical Advisory Committee (MAC) Chair
L. Lyons thanked the Board for approval of:
• privileges for eight new Credentialed Professional Staff (CPS);
• changes to privileges for four CPS; and,
• the Paediatric delineation of procedural privileges which details certain special skills for physicians.
She then reported that:
• reappointment of CPS is in process. The Clinical Management and Reporting System (CMaRS) opened February 17, 2026 and will close on March 31, 2026
• MAC has been working on a Management of Credentialed Professional Staff Professionalism Guideline which supports medical leaders on how to manage professionalism across the organization. This Guideline helps ensure hospital policies are respected and provides a pathway to help physician leaders address breaches or concerns around hospital policies that have not been followed;
• Implementation of OneChart Phase 2 continues and MAC is supporting CPS through this transition; and,
• A course on conflict management and negotiations was offered through the physician leadership series. There is one final session the end of March. Medical Affairs will be putting together another education program to commence in the Fall and this will be around the management of the new CPS Professionalism Guideline.
1.6 Quality Report
(a) Patient, Resident, Caregiver story
As part of the Board’s focus on Quality, the Board has been receiving updates/stories from the senior leaders at St. Joseph’s. S. Nelli, Clinical Director Medical Imaging, shared a case related to a missing biopsy specimen and how processes were changed to ensure end-to-end accountability.
He confirmed that the next step is to apply this learning across the organization as it relates to specimen pickup and transport to another location.
(b) Q3 Quality Results
P. Cassidy, Chair of Quality Committee, confirmed the Committee did a deep dive into both items on the Quality Improvement Plan and other quality items not on the plan but that continue to be monitored.
1.7 St. Joseph’s Health Care Foundation
J. Nash provided an overview of various projects taken on by the Foundation related to research with a total value of $11.165M (net of fundraising costs), of which $5.737M has already been raised (51% as of February 2026). M. Campbell then presented how the Foundation is giving life and energy to this brand and how it will be marketed to donors.
1.8 Lawson Research Institute
J. Batch noted there have been a number of recent media stories related to the use of dogs in research following the release of reports. He then referenced the hard copy handout of the most recent “My St. Joseph’s” featuring an article by Dr. Jeremy Burton and the exciting research being done related to the Canadian Fermented Foods Initiative.
1.9 Western University
S. Boe, Dean Faculty of Health Sciences, informed that:
• Earlier this month the province announced it is investing $6.4 billion to supporting the post-secondary sector with a new funding model and updated tuition and OSAP frameworks;
• The tuition freeze has been lifted and now allows publicly assisted colleges and universities to be able to raise tuition fees by up to two per cent per year for the next three years. This is welcome relief for colleges and universities;
• OSAP funding has shifted from a grant to a loan;
• The province is investing $30M to expand the primary care workforce. This new funding will upskill over 1,400 registered nurses for primary care, create 170 primary care nurse
practitioner education seats and add up to 150 physician assistant education seats. $4.5M is going toward the creation of a primary care nurse certificate which will help over 1400 registered nurses gain skills and experience in primary care;
• The Faculty of Health Sciences is finishing its development of its strategic plan. A soft launch is planned early March with the external launch happening late March. The plan heavily focuses on interdisciplinary education and deepening engagement with partners locally and globally.
2. Business Arising
Standing agenda item, no business arose.
3. New Business
3.1 Governance Committee Recommendations:
• Renewing Board Policy: Nomination, Selection and Onboarding of Committee Members and Directors
M. Gillett referenced the background provided on the recommendation sheet summarizing the changes made to the policy. She confirmed that Governance Committee reviewed this over two meetings and that Governance Committee was mindful that this policy is shared with external Committee Member candidates which is why it was so important to be as thorough and as transparent as possible.
Question arose regarding the statement under the Policy section related to the Board appointing the Chair of the Nominating Subcommittee (Nominating). It is known that the Chair of Nominating is the First Vice-Chair of the Board. The Board does appoint the First Vice-Chair but formally does not technically appoint the Chair of Nominating. There was agreement the statement could be clarified in future iterations of the policy.
It was MOVED and SECONDED that St. Joseph’s Board of Directors approve the revised Board policy now titled “Nomination, Selection and Onboarding of Committee Members and Directors”. CARRIED.
• New Role Description: Roles and Responsibilities - Board of Directors
M. Gillett introduce the new role description which speaks to the role of a hospital Board and complements all the other role descriptions St. Joseph’s Board has in place. She informed that it is Governance Committee’s intention that this be a public-facing document posted on the Board’s public website. By doing so, this will be a reference for members of the public to help explain the Board’s role and will help keep the Board accountable to good governance. St. Josephs’ has also received approval from the OHA to put a link on the Board’s website to the OHA’s Guide to Good Governance which is another resource that, in great detail, explains the role of a hospital Board, Directors, Committees, etc.
Discussion took place and agreement that it is good to be more transparent about what the Board is and does. It was suggested that perhaps there is a statement that could be added to the annual report to draw linkage between the new role description for the Board and how it in fact did function over the last year in alignment.
It was MOVED and SECONDED that St. Joseph’s Board of Directors approve the new Role Description for “Roles and Responsibilities - Board of Directors”. CARRIED.
3.2 People & Mission Committee Recommendation – Collaborative Benefits
L. Livingstone highlighted the following informational pieces related to the recommendation:
• the OHA introduced a province wide group purchasing model for employee benefit insurance through the establishment of Collaborative Benefits Inc. (CO);
• CO is a not-for-profit organization governed by a Board of Hospital representatives that was created as a collective response to the increasing costs of employee group benefits, which continue to place a financial pressure on Ontario hospitals and other not-for-profit healthcare organizations;
• In 2022, St. Joseph’s signed a five (5) year agreement to be a participating member of the CO initiative expiring in 2027;
• In 2024, CO began transitioning participating hospitals into the CO program as their existing carrier contracts expired;
• Since 2009, St. Joseph’s has participated in its own consortium with nineteen (19) hospitals across Southwestern Ontario. This economies of scale approach provided effective cost management and negotiating leverage that would not have been achievable independently;
• In 2025, six (6) hospitals exited the regional consortium to join the CO program reducing the consortium to thirteen (13) hospitals and diminishing its overall scale and bargaining power;
• An evaluation was undertaken to assess the feasibility and implications of transitioning to the Collaborative Benefits model in 2026, in alignment with the contract expiry.
No questions arose.
It was MOVED and SECONDED that St. Joseph’s Board of Directors approve that St. Joseph’s proceeds with a phased transition to Collaborative Benefits Inc., as follows:
• Life Insurance and Long-Term Disability: Effective April 1, 2026
• Health and Dental: Effective September 1, 2026 CARRIED.
3.3 Resource Planning & Audit Committee (RPAC) Recommendations:
J. Melchers shared that at its last meeting RPAC did engage in discussions related to the internal audit plan but that RPAC did not support it coming to the Board for approval. As such, the audit plan is going through some additional work and will come back to RPAC’s March meeting.
(a) 2025/26 Q3 Financial Statements
J. Melchers stated that St. Joseph’s Health Care London ended Q3 2025/26 with a $1.7 million deficit compared to a planned deficit of $10.8 million and that investment income helped to offset the closing position. He highlighted various negative drivers including Mental Health, Facilities Engineering, salaries and benefits, revenues from the prescription shop and Veterans’ Affairs.
At Q3 2025/26 the projection for the year-end financial performance could range from a $6.2 million deficit to a $3.8 million surplus which represents a significant improvement from the Q2 projection.
No questions arose related to the report.
It was MOVED and SECONDED that St. Joseph’s Board of Directors approve the financial statements of St. Joseph’s Health Care London for the quarter ended December 31, 2025.
CARRIED.
(b) 2026/27 Capital Budget
J. Melchers commented on the extensive capital budget prioritization process and drew attention to Appendix A which details how projects are prioritized and approved, providing the Board with assurance about the processes in place to prioritize and allocate funds appropriately. He stated that many projects are necessary to meet safety standards. He shared that RPAC members toured the Breast Care Centre, which gave them insight into how the proposed redesign of the space will better impact patient care. He further noted that RPAC debated on the parking garage replacement and ultimately is seeking more disclosure on the breakdown of costs. He took the opportunity to thank St. Joseph’s Health Care Foundation for their continued support.
Discussion ensued and the following comments were recorded:
• St. Joseph’s continually sets aside reserves for certain projects. Drawing these reserves down reduces the amount invested which can impact funds for future projects;
• The Ministry of Health restricts what hospitals can charge for parking; and,
• The figure related to New Physician and Medical Secretary Desks is actually more than just furniture. It is renovations to turn one office space into two as there is no space for new physicians and their secretaries.
It was MOVED and SECONDED that St. Joseph’s Board of Directors approve the 2026/27 capital budget totaling an investment of $39.9 million. CARRIED.
3.4 Chair Updates from Standing Committees of the Board
• Stoplight Report from Governance Committee of the Board
M. Gillett simply confirmed that developments related to the Health Sector Governance and Oversight Office remain on Governance Committee’s radar.
• Stoplight Report from People & Mission Committee of the Board
L. Livingstone highlighted the rollout of the Spiritual Care Services Sacred Moments & Compassion Project. She also noted that the Mission Leadership Program continues to serve as a cornerstone for cultivating reflective, mission‑aligned leadership across the organization now with nine sessions completed. She commented that this is only a small part of the work that grounds staff and volunteers to the values of the organization.
• Stoplight Report from Quality Committee of the Board
P. Cassidy was pleased to highlight to the Board the achievements related to the Workplace Violence Indicator on the current Quality Improvement Plan (QIP) which has exceeded target for the past four quarters.
4. In-Camera Meeting
It was MOVED and SECONDED the meeting of the Board of Directors move in-camera at 5:01 p.m.
CARRIED.
The regular meeting of the Board of Directors resumed at 6:55 p.m. Rising from the in-camera meeting, the Chair reported that:
• the Board received a report from the CEO as to his Q3 accomplishments toward his 2025/26 performance goals;
• the Board receive a mid-year report from the Chair, Medical Advisory Committee as to her accomplishments toward her 2025/26 performance goals; and,
• the Board endorsed the appointment of the Second Vice-Chair, Board of Directors effective June 22, 2026, with further recommendation to St. Joseph's Health Care Society for approval.
5. Termination of Meeting
There being no further business, the Chair declared the meeting terminated at 6:56 p.m.
January 26, 2026
St. Joseph’s Hospital – Adams Boardroom A2-041 Via MS Teams video-conference
The Chair called the meeting to order at 3:30 p.m. The reflection was provided by S. Marentette.
Education Session
A) Nourish Initiative Pecha Kucha
L. Higgs informed that 5 years have passed with the Nourish Project and the Steering Committee had its final meeting a few weeks ago. An updated Pecha Kucha captures the entirety of the project and includes key priorities from cohort #2. She introduced Michelle Stranges and Lindsay Botnick and shared that M. Stranges has won the 2025 Nourish Anchor Leadership Award, a national recognition that celebrates changemakers and emergent voices in food-health transformation. M. Stranges supported the Food and Nutrition Services team in advancing St. Joseph’s sustainability commitments through the Coolfood Pledge, engaging staff in plant-based cooking initiatives, waste reduction strategies, organizing farm tours and expanding partnerships with local growers.
M. Stranges presented the updated Pecha Kucha. Following the presentation the Board was informed that although Nourish is coming to an end there is work that will continue (i.e. garden continues to grow, local procurement, plant-based recipes) and that there are plans to upscale a new project related to food prescribing.
On behalf of the Board, the Chair congratulated the team on their successes. M. Stranges and L. Botnick left the meeting at 3:50 p.m.
B) Accreditation / Governance Survey
Biju Mathai, Interim Director, Strategic, Organizational and Leadership Development, and Karen Masters, Consultant, Quality, Transformation and Innovation, led the Board through a presentation explaining the need for the Board to complete the Governing Body Assessment survey which is a requirement related to the continuous accreditation cycle. They then provided the Board with additional context related to some questions on the
survey. They confirmed the survey results are anonymous and will be presented to the Executive Committee of the Board who will develop an action plan.
A comment was offered that it may be worthwhile doing this survey again, closer to accreditation, to see if any gaps identified now have been closed.
ACTION: Governance Office will issue the Governing Body Assessment survey to Directors on February 2nd.
B. Mathai and K. Masters left the meeting at 4:05 p.m.
1. Full Agenda / Consent Agenda
1.1 Adoption of Full Agenda
It was MOVED and SECONDED the agenda be adopted as circulated. CARRIED.
1.2 Approval of Consent Agenda
The Chair declared J. Tufts, L. Livingstone, L. Cornelius and P. Cassidy in conflict of interest with item C2 on the Consent Agenda and left the meeting at 4:09 p.m.
It was MOVED and SECONDED that the Consent Agenda for the January 26, 2026 Board meeting, consisting of the recommendations and reports found in Appendix 1, be approved and/or received for information by St. Joseph’s Board of Directors. CARRIED.
J. Tufts, L. Livingstone, L. Cornelius and P. Cassidy rejoined the meeting at 4:10 p.m.
2. Reports
2.1 Board Chair Remarks
(a) Attendance Report – Board and Committee meetings 2025/26
Best practice indicators show that attendance is one of the principle ways of determining whether board and committee members are engaged in the governance of an organization. Updated attendance logs for all meetings are shared for information and transparency. Governance Committee reviewed the latest report and stated it is one of the best they have seen. The Board Chair congratulated Directors and Committee members for their commitment.
The Chair reminded Directors of the upcoming retreat where Directors will be reviewing the Board’s governance structure in support of the 2025-2030 strategic plan.
2.2 President and Chief Executive Officer
R. Butler responded to questions raised from the written report that had been pre-circulated. In addition, he highlighted areas of current developments and issues, which included the following:
• There is a case in British Columbia challenging the right of publicly funded, faith-based hospitals, to refuse to provide medical assistance in dying on their premises. A ruling is expected in the Fall. St. Joseph’s is following this case and working with partners to develop key messages;
• A new report from Research InfoSource shows that Lawson ranked number one as the most researcher-intensive institution among mid-sized hospital-based research centres in Canada. It also ranked 20th among Canada’s Top 40 Research Hospitals for 2025;
• The 1% provincial funding that was held back by the Ministry of Health was distributed in December to select hospitals. St. Joseph’s was not selected/did not receive funds;
• Hospital Sector Stabilization Plan work continues. There is a meeting of the South West region this Wednesday to receive direction on next steps. Both at the regional and provincial level, ideas have been put forward for efficiencies that may be able to be attained by working together (i.e. patient flow, access, etc.);
• Project Tyche has launched at St. Joseph’s which aims to find internal efficiencies. There are work streams, working groups, and various pieces of work well under way;
• The Senior Leadership Team (SLT) and other leaders at St. Joseph’s have a full day meeting next week where they will work on identifying strategic priorities for next year. That list will then be finalized by SLT and final recommendations will come to the Board in March;
• SLT has approved a number of capital renovations to enhance care in the areas of breast care, violence and specialized primary care, and labs;
• St. Joseph’s has adopted a new Social Media policy. This policy would apply to Board and Committee Members as “affiliates” of St. Joseph’s. A copy has been posted to the Board portal;
• There have been several government relations activities including a visit from the CEO of HealthCareCAN, a visit from MP Kurt Holman, and visit from MPP Rob Flack;
• Together Richard Corneil and R. Butler presented to the King’s College senior team about Mission in the organization and the mission leadership program at St. Joseph’s.
Question was raised regarding the equity, diversity, inclusion and belonging education that has been rolled out to staff and whether this will be extended to Board/Committee Members. Reply was given that it is yet to be determined whether these modules are the right education for the Board/Committee Members or if it is something different. Board input on these modules is needed to help determine this.
2.3 Medical Advisory Committee (MAC) Chair
L. Lyons provided the following updates:
• There are several active recruitments for Department Heads under way;
• Medical Affairs is soon to launch the reappointment process which will be the second year using the new system;
• OneChart Phase 2 is active. In response to expressions of anxiety from physicians, particularly in high volume clinics, additional training and townhalls were offered along with opportunities on MAC meeting agendas for Department Heads to voice concerns. Further to this, the physician wellness lead is incorporating wellness into the launch of this new platform;
• The professional leadership development series continues - the next session is February 5/6.
D. Ladouceur thanked L. Lyons for the update and commented on the success of the collaboration of the Department Heads working through various issues at MAC meetings.
2.4 Quality Report
(a) Patient, Resident, Caregiver story
As part of the Board’s focus on Quality, the Board has been receiving updates/stories from the senior leaders at St. Joseph’s. S. Jansen, Vice President Patient Care and Risk Management, shared a story of a risk assessment and privacy breach investigation that were conducted following the death of a patient in the acquired brain injury rehabilitation program at Parkwood Institute. The investigation led to the acknowledgement of morale distress in staff. Greater education is now
being provided to staff on morale distress and is now part of the debriefing of staff in future events of distress.
2.5 St. Joseph’s Health Care Foundation
J. Nash referenced the written report circulated in the agenda package which highlighted the success of the 2025 Season of Celebration campaign which raised funds for two important patient needs: therapeutic programming and patient care equipment. He also shared the news of the acquisition of two pieces of equipment: Tri-Modality Pre-Clinical SPECT/CT/PET Scanner in December and a new PET/MRI: coming in March.
J. Nash stated that plans for Breakfast of Champions are well under way and that corporate sponsorship is already at 60%. The event is scheduled for May 8th and tickets will be on sale in March.
From a financial perspective, the Foundation had an exceptional 2025 and exceeded their cash goal for the year two months early with $39.1M raised. In the last month the Foundation received the following gifts:
• $660,000 for approved hospital-capital needs;
• $75,000 for highest priority needs for Mount Hope by a grateful family; and,
• $300,000 to complete a donor’s commitment to the acquisition of the Tri-Modality scanner (total gift: $800,000).
He concluded his report by informing the hospital Board that over the last several months, the Foundation has worked with research and hospital leadership to devise a significant case for giving that would help to advance the new Lawson Research Institute and its strategic pillars. At the next Foundation Board meeting, the Foundation will present an overview of the research projects to which the Foundation has committed that form the priorities to take to the community over the next year.
2.6 Lawson Research Institute
J. Batch informed that the Lawson Board continues to have discussions about its foundational governance pieces which include Lawson’s relationship with the hospital. He announced that there will be a portion of the hospital Board retreat dedicated to discussing the reserve powers of the hospital as the sole Member of Lawson. Echoing part of the Foundation’s report, the Foundation has been instrumental in recent research successes. On behalf of the Lawson Board, he thanked the Foundation for their support. J. Batch concluded his report by referencing the February Lawson LEADS Newsletter and encouraged Directors to read it.
2.7 Western University - Dean Schulich School of Medicine & Dentistry
J. Yoo provided the following updates:
• The Canada Impact+ Research Chairs program is a federal initiative launched on December 9, 2025, designed to support Canadian institutions in attracting internationally recognized researchers. The program emphasizes both research excellence and tangible impact, focusing on areas of strategic importance to Canada. Following a highly competitive selection process, the program awards successful applicants and their teams either $8 million or $4 million over eight years to establish ambitious research programs at the nominating university, with a potential for a four-year extension at 50 per cent of the initial per annum award value. Western’s allotment is 9 positions;
• Construction has begun on a new research centre that will position London as a national leader in the understanding, prevention and treatment of infectious diseases. A first in Canada, and one of only a few in the world, the $44-million Pathogen Research Centre will bring real-world
testing environments, advanced containment and manufacturing of therapeutics for clinical trials under one roof. This centre is expected to open in 2027;
• Schulich has embarked on its post-graduate medical accreditation process by the Royal College and College of Family Physicians of Canada. A first visit by the Royal College occurred today and they commented positively on the Affiliation Agreement as an exemplary model of collaboration between the university and hospitals;
• Supervised by physicians and working as physician extenders, Physician Assistants provide patient care in a range of settings as members of inter-professional health care teams. Physician Assistants help decrease wait times and improve patient access to services in high need areas. Schulich will have the first Masters program for Physician Assistants starting September 2026;
• The province is investing up to $8 million to plan and expand 16 new primary care teaching clinics, expected to serve 300,000 more people and provide future clinicians with hands-on training in real-world, team-based settings. These facilities, established in partnership with Ontario’s leading medical schools, will not only serve the community but also act as real-time classrooms for family medicine residents, nurse practitioners, physician assistants, and other health professionals. Western has been appointed three of the 16 sites: London East, Woodstock, Sarnia; and,
• Western has had a record year of research funding to the tune of $315M. Health care research is a large part of that research and Western is grateful for the partnership with hospitals.
3. Business Arising
Standing agenda item, no business arose.
4. New Business
4.1 Chair updates - Standing Committees of the Board
(a) Stoplight Report from Governance Committee of the Board
M. Gillett reported that in addition to the routine governance work, additional work has been undertaken to align with the Ontario Hospital Association’s newest edition of the Guide to Good Governance. In summary, St. Joseph’s Board is well-aligned with only a few gaps that are being addressed.
(b) Stoplight Report from Nominating Subcommittee of the Governance Committee of the Board
M. Gillett highlighted the following:
• Four (4) Director vacancies are anticipated and recruitment is under way. Candidates being sought are individuals with CPA designations, those with legal/corporate governance background, individuals who have an understanding of construction & project management, and those with a working understanding of information technology systems;
• There are a number of Committee Member vacancies and these vacancies are advertised both internally and externally;
• To aid in the work of Nominating Subcommittee, Directors were reminded to complete their self-evaluation by the end of the month;
• The selection process for the appointment of a Second Vice-Chair of the Board is being initiated and will conclude with a recommendation to the Society in June.
(c) Stoplight Report from People & Mission Committee of the Board
V. Smye stated the People & Mission Committee reviewed the Health Human Resource second quarter results and had robust discussion on the first-year turnover indicator. It was confirmed that St. Joseph’s is drilling down further into the drivers behind these results.
(d) Stoplight Report from Quality Committee of the Board
P. Cassidy affirmed that the Quality Committee dove into the details on progress being made related to two clinical performance indicators - falls prevention and worsening pressure injury.
5. In-Camera Meeting
It was MOVED and SECONDED the meeting of the Board of Directors move in-camera at 5:19 p.m.
CARRIED.
The regular meeting of the Board of Directors resumed at 6:59 p.m.
6. Termination of Meeting
There being no further business, the Chair declared the meeting terminated at 7:00 p.m.
November 24, 2025
St. Joseph’s Hospital – Adams Boardroom A2-041 Via MS Teams video-conference
The Chair called the meeting to order at 3:30 p.m. The reflection was provided by L. Cornelius.
Education Session
D. Ladouceur prefaced the education session by sharing she had a tour of the facilities, in St. Thomas, and was impressed with the work being done there. She introduced Kent Lewis, Clinical Director, Forensics, who led Directors through a presentation on forensics as a health care story. Highlights from the presentation included:
• History of when forensic psychiatry began and what it is about
• Forensic programs in the province
• Specifics about St. Joseph’s Southwest Centre for Forensic Mental Health Care (Southwest Centre);
• Explanation of the possible diagnoses;
• Explanation of the team of professionals who make up the Southwest Centre Forensic Team and the different psychotherapeutic groups;
• A patient’s progression in forensic psychiatry and outcomes;
• Explanation of how patient risk is managed; and,
• Future goals of the Southwest Centre.
D. Ladouceur thanked K. Lewis for the education to Directors and congratulated all at the Southwest Centre Forensic Team for their respectful care of patients.
1. Full Agenda / Consent Agenda
1.1 Adoption of Full Agenda
It was MOVED and SECONDED the agenda be adopted as circulated. CARRIED.
1.2 Approval of Consent Agenda
It was MOVED and SECONDED that the Consent Agenda for the November 24, 2025 Board meeting, consisting of the recommendations and reports found in Appendix 1, be approved and/or received for information by St. Joseph’s Board of Directors. CARRIED.
2. Reports
2.1 Board Chair Remarks
D. Ladouceur shared that she had the pleasure of attending the Remembrance Day service at Parkwood Institute with the Veterans.
2.2 President and Chief Executive Officer
(a) Monthly Report to Board
R. Butler responded to questions raised from the written report that had been pre-circulated. In addition, he highlighted areas of current developments and issues, which included the following:
• The federal budget was announced with increases to health research and innovation; $5B for health infrastructure; $1B for transitional and supportive housing for those who are homeless or at risk of homelessness; and tax credits to attract and retain personal support workers. Overall, it is a welcome investment in the sector;
• Fall Economic Statement was also released. On the health side, there is $1.1B to expand Home Care, $2.1B for Primary Care Action Plan and $262M for Learn and Stay Grants. There was no new investments in hospitals;
• On the advocacy side, the Catholic Health Association of Ontario had a Queens Park virtual meeting for advocacy around supportive housing. Last week there was an in person Queens Park day for mental health partners and supportive housing partners. St. Joseph’s participated and Indwell joined. There is recognition and acceptance that there is more to be done in supportive housing.
(b) 2025/26 Q2 Corporate Performance Report
• The Chair of Resource Planning & Audit Committee will speak to the second quarter financial results later on today’s agenda however to summarize, R. Butler reported that St. Joseph’s is
$2M worse than budget YTD. It was noted the scorecard numbers and coloring in the agenda package for financial indicators are not accurate and that this will be updated for future presentations to the Board;
• Sick time is coming down but further work is needed on first year turnover. A deep dive is being undertaken to understand more related to first year turnover as St. Joseph’s rates remain high. and,
• The quality indicators are progressing well.
R. Butler then spoke to the strategic objectives summary. Related to the Excellence in Care, Powered by Discovery pillar, he advised that St. Joseph’s has developed an Artificial Intelligence (AI) policy and struck an internal committee related to same. The Vibrant Workforce indicators are in good shape, and he highlighted the success of the Physician Leadership Program. The annual aims in the Partnering for Impact pillar continue to progress.
Comment was made it would be interesting for the Board to have an education session around AI to gain an understanding of the new corporate policy and the work that is being done across the organization.
(c) Enterprise Risk Management (ERM) update
Following the request of the Board from May 2025, when ERM was last presented, a briefing note has been included in the document package that provides additional detail of each of the targeted risk areas in addition to the visual dashboard. R. Butler further recalled that ERM was refreshed in May 2025 with the assistance of KPMG so today is the first reporting to the Board. He highlighted that financial stability and health risk rating changed to be a higher risk rating than was identified in the Spring and that this is due to the provincial work related to the Health Sector Stabilization Plan.
Discussion was held and Directors expressed appreciation of the detail in the briefing note. It was noted that the summary dashboard captures the change to risk ratings but the individual explanation pages do not show the change as clear. It was confirmed that strategies are already in play/projects already being worked on related to the identified risks and that the ERM has a three-year runway.
2.3 Medical Advisory Committee (MAC) Chair
L. Lyons highlighted that 14 new Credentialed Professional Staff were processed for the Board’s approval this month. She recognized the work of Credentialing Committee, the MAC, and the Credentialing Manager for the good governance around the credentialing process. She informed there are two Department Head searches in process with Board participation: Anesthesia & Perioperative Medicine and Surgery. L. Lyons advised that all of the MAC Subcommittee Chairs and Co-Chairs met with MAC leadership to review the work they are in process of. This meeting occurs twice a year. She shared that the November Physician Leadership series on “leading change” was well-attended.
L. Lyons concluded her report by sharing that there has been some physician anxiety around the workload that will be involved in bringing in the next phase of OneChart Phase II. This is mostly from physicians in high-volume clinics and those with waiting lists as adjusting to a new system brings with it a learning curve and this can back things up. MAC has responded by inviting Information Technology leadership to the MAC meetings for the next four months to address this with the Department Heads. Town halls are also being scheduled to address concerns and provide learning.
2.4 Quality Report
(a) Patient, Resident, Caregiver story
As part of the Board’s focus on Quality, the Board has been receiving updates/stories from the senior leaders at St. Joseph’s. L. Higgs, VP Clinical Support and Chief Financial Officer, shared a story about how one patient/family was impressed with the care provided at St. Joseph’s and this led them to donate to St. Joseph’s.
(b) 2025/26 Q2 Quality Results
P. Cassidy confirmed that with the assistance of the Director of Quality Measurement & Clinical Decision Support, the Quality Committee reviewed the second quarter quality indicators and the strategies being applied to improve the areas of concern.
3. Business Arising
Standing agenda item, no business arose.
4. New Business
4.1 Governance Committee Recommendation: Revised Fixing Long-Term Care Act Disclosure and Declaration form and Revised Annual Declaration and Consent form
M. Gillett recalled for Directors that the two forms being presented were originally approved by the Board. She further stated that legal advice was sought in regard to the proposed amendments. The key change to the Fixing Long-Term Care Act form is that will no longer be annual, but rather a requirement during onboarding of new Committee Members. Because the form will no longer put in front of Committee Members and Directors annually, they need to be reminded that there is an ongoing legal requirement to inform the Governance Office of any change in status as promptly as possible. She explained that Governance Committee has developed a communication/education plan to inform all Committee Member and Directors of the change and ongoing duty to report.
It was MOVED and SECONDED that St. Joseph’s Board of Directors approve the amendments to the Disclosure and Declaration for Directors/Committee Members form and the Annual Declaration and Consent form. CARRIED.
4.2 Resource Planning & Audit Committee Recommendation: 2025/26 Q2 Financial Results
J. Melchers reported that St. Joseph’s ended the second quarter of 2025/26 with a $12.4 million deficit compared to a planned deficit of $10.5 million with portfolio variances being the biggest driver. He highlighted the following:
• Revenues in the second quarter were below budget with the drivers being Veterans’ Affairs Canada and the prescription shop;
• Expenses were $4.3M above budget mostly related to salaries and benefits;
• St. Joseph’s continues to have strong working capital and liquidity positions; and,
• St. Joseph’s investment income is favourable to budget.
J. Melchers shared that as at Q2 2025/26, St. Joseph’s finance team is projecting that St. Joseph’s year-end financial performance could range from deficit of $11.8 to $29.1 million. He acknowledged this is a wide range but then explained the elements contributing to the projection along with projection assumptions. He further noted a deficit position has been forecasted for the last four years, so this is not new.
No questions arose.
It was MOVED and SECONDED that St. Joseph’s Board of Directors approve the financial statements of St. Joseph’s Health Care London for the quarter ended September 30, 2025.
CARRIED.
5. In-Camera Meeting
It was MOVED and SECONDED the meeting of the Board of Directors move in-camera at 4:57 p.m.
CARRIED.
The regular meeting of the Board of Directors resumed at 6:55 p.m.
Rising from the in-camera meeting, the Chair reported:
• The Board received a second quarter status report on the CEO’s performance goals as set by the Board; and,
• The Board received a debrief from Governance Committee on the evaluation results from the Board-Committee orientation session held September 4th.
6. Termination of Meeting
There being no further business, the Chair declared the meeting terminated at 6:57 p.m.
October 27, 2025
Parkwood Institute, Main Building, Room C2-108 (Boardroom) Via MS Teams video-conference
The Chair called the meeting to order at 3:30 p.m. The reflection was provided by P. Cassidy.
1. Full Agenda / Consent Agenda
1.1 Adoption of Full Agenda
It was MOVED and SECONDED the agenda be adopted as circulated. CARRIED.
1.2 Approval of Consent Agenda
It was MOVED and SECONDED that the Consent Agenda for the October 27, 2025 Board meeting, consisting of the recommendations and reports found in Appendix 1, be approved and/or received for information by St. Joseph’s Board of Directors.
CARRIED.
2. Reports
2.1 Board Chair Remarks
D. Ladouceur introduced and welcomed Jay Nash who is the appointee from St. Joseph’s Health Care Foundation (Foundation) Board of Directors replacing Alfonso Campos Reales at the hospital Board of Director meetings.
D. Ladouceur reported that she has had the opportunity to attend at least one meeting of all of the Board’s Standing Committees. In addition, she has had one-on-one meetings with the senior leaders who support the Standing Committees of the Board. These opportunities have contributed to her learning and development as the new Chair of the Board.
2.2 President and Chief Executive Officer
R. Butler responded to questions raised from the written report that had been pre-circulated. In addition, he highlighted areas of current developments and issues, which included the following:
• The Ontario Hospital Association (OHA) released a media statement, October 3, 2025, speaking to the financial challenges in the sector;
• The Ministry’s Health Sector Governance and Oversight Office (HSGO) issued a sector-wide survey to gain an understanding of governance practices. We completed the survey, and it is now closed.
• The Financial Accountability Office of Ontario released the Ontario Health Sector 2025 Spending Plan Review on October 23, 2025. The report outlines levels of funding and projections and paints a difficult picture going forward without significant funding injections into the health care sector.
• Bill 56 “Building a More Competitive Economy Act” has a key piece related to health care called “As of Right” framework. This change allows health professionals from 16 additional regulated professions to work as-of-right in Ontario while applying for registration with the Provincial Regulatory College;
• Lawson Research Institute (Lawson) celebrated its first anniversary on October 16th with open house drop-in sessions held at all St. Joseph’s sites. These were well attended. In addition, Lawson launched its 5-year strategic plan setting the stage for purposeful, sustainable growth in specific areas of research;
• The Catholic Health Association of Ontario held their annual conference October 15-16, 2025 with a focus on “Promoting our Value in System Transformation”. R. Butler was one of three participants in a panel discussion on the topic of “demonstrating our value to system transformation”;
• The Foundation’s Tribute Dinner held October 9th, was well attended and a success;
• The Excellence in Professional Practice Awards which occur annually, were held October 1st. This event recognizes both nursing and other allied health discipline staff who are at the heart of patient and resident care at St. Josephs. Bursary applications are also accepted each year, creating an opportunity for nursing and professional practice staff to apply for funds to support their studies. Congratulations to all award and bursary recipients.
2.3 Medical Advisory Committee (MAC) Chair
L. Lyons reported the MAC received an update on the scope and timelines for the MyCarePortal implementation which is part of the OneChart Phase II project. The MyCarePortal aligns with the provincial ConnectMyHealth patient portal. MyCarePortal was created because the province’s portal is a unidirectional portal and is not interactive for patients. MyCarePortal will allow patients to see pathology, lab and imaging results, discharge summaries, upcoming appointments, educational material, histories and medications. St. Joseph’s patients will start to enroll when St. Joseph’s goes live in January 2026 and LHSC will follow.
She also informed that the first two sessions in a series of educational sessions for physician leadership occurred in September. This learning is being put on by the Physician Leadership Institute in partnership with the Canadian Medical Association. Patrick Hawkins, lawyer, was the presenter at the first session and educated participants about their responsibilities under the Public Hospitals Act. The second session focused on engaging others. There has been positive feedback about these offerings and the next session is scheduled for November.
2.4 Quality Report
(a) Patient, Resident, Caregiver story
As part of the Board’s focus on Quality, the Board has been receiving updates/stories from the senior leaders at St. Joseph’s. Kent Lewis, Clinical Director Forensics, presented a patient story of
harm from the Southwest Centre for Forensic Mental Health Care site related to gender affirming care.
The Board commended the effort of staff and the integrated process.
K. Lewis left the meeting at 4:00 p.m.
2.5 St. Joseph’s Professional Staff Organization (PSO)
A. Biswas recalled to the Board that hospitals are legislated to have a PSO but that there is much discretion as to “what” a PSO can do. He provided an overview of the events planned for the upcoming year including: three general meetings, an annual meeting, issuing of the leadership development award, sponsoring physicians to attend the Canadian Conference on Physician Leadership and celebrations planned for Doctors Day. In addition to this, the PSO will be involved with the MAC’s review of By-Laws and policies.
In collaboration with the LHSC PSO, there is work being done to improve the PSO’s presence through improvements to the PSO website and the creation of a strategic plan.
The Chair thanked the PSO for their report and the work they are undertaking.
2.6 Western University
S. Boe, Dean Faculty of Health Sciences (FHS), led the Board through a presentation providing information on who FHS is, who it partners with, how it is involved in research and future opportunities. Highlights from the presentation include:
• FHS is home to 7 schools, the newest being Food and Nutritional Sciences;
• FHS is home to 5 research centres;
• In 2024/25 there were a total of 1772 placements at St. Joseph’s and LHSC. To date for 2025/26 there have been a total of 814 placements;
• FHS has 6 Canada Research Chairs and 5 local Research Chairs;
• Research focus is around “health across the lifespan”, “healthcare systems & delivery”, “active living & health promotion”, “health equity”, “physical rehab & mobility”, and “social & behavioural health”. There is opportunity to expand research collaborations;
• There are intersections between FHS and both St. Joseph’s and Lawson’s strategic plans;
• FHS is in process of developing a new strategic plan and is currently in the engaging stakeholder phase;
• FHS is in the planning process for a new FHS building that will support interprofessional and interdisciplinary experiences across the faculty.
The Chair thanked S. Boe for the update.
3. Business Arising
Standing agenda item, no business arose.
4. New Business
4.1 Governance Committee Recommendations:
• New Board Policy – Director Removal
M. Gillett informed that part of the mandate of the Governance Committee is to routinely review all existing Board policies for alignment with the Corporate By-Law and with a view to considering best practices as outlined in the OHA’s Guide to Good Governance. As part of the Committee's review, a gap was identified in the Board policies in that St. Joseph’s Board does not have a policy/ process that addresses the potential need for considering removal of a Director.
She stated that as this topic is sensitive in nature, legal advice was sought from Borden Ladner Gervais who assisted in drafting the proposed policy/process so that St. Joseph’s Board of Directors could be assured there is alignment with existing Board policies and legislation and the rights of the Member, St. Joseph’s Health Care Society.
It was MOVED and SECONDED that St. Joseph’s Board of Directors approve the new Board policy “Director Removal”. CARRIED.
• Revised Credentialed Professional Staff Rules
M. Gillett invited L. Lyons to speak to the process and highlight key changes to the rules. L. Lyons stated it is part of the MAC’s work plan to annually review the Rules and it is a supporting document to the Credentialed Professional Staff (CPS) By-Law. She further stated the proposed edits are minor and most relate to professional title changes such as Department Chief changing to Department Head. She confirmed that Midwives were removed from St. Joseph’s CPS Rules because there are no Midwives that work at St. Joseph’s.
A. Dukelow added that LHSC is in process of reviewing their By-Law and Rules and that there are options such that Rules can be their own document or become policies. He advised that the MAC will be making a decision on whether to keep Rules as a standalone document or make Rules into policies.
It was MOVED and SECONDED that St. Joseph’s Board of Directors approve the revised Credentialed Professional Staff Rules. CARRIED.
4.2 Health Care Ethics Committee Recommendation: Revised Corporate Policy – Responding to a Request for Intentional Termination of Life (assisted suicide and/or euthanasia, also known as Medical Assistance in Dying, “MAiD”)
J. Tufts referenced the document package and outlined the process that was taken to bring the proposed amendments to the Board. No discussion was held.
It was MOVED and SECONDED that St. Joseph’s Board of Directors approve the revised policy “Responding to a Request for Intentional Termination of Life (assisted suicide and/or euthanasia, also known as Medical Assistance in Dying, “MAiD”)”. CARRIED.
4.3 Medical Advisory Committee Recommendation: Medial Director Long-Term Care
L. Lyons referenced the recommendation cover sheet which provided details on the selection process the MAC and Head of the Department of Family Medicine undertook to recommend a new Medical Director Long-Term Care. She provided a summary of the incumbent’s qualifications.
It was MOVED and SECONDED that St. Joseph’s Board of Directors approve:
(a) upon receipt of a signed letter of offer, the continued appointment of Dr. Ganesh Persaud as Medical Director, Long-Term Care, effective October 22, 2025 to October 31, 2025; and,
(b) upon receipt of a signed letter of offer, the appointment of Dr. Seema Luke as Medical Director, Long-Term Care, for a four-year term effective November 1, 2025 to October 31, 2029. CARRIED.
4.4 Chair Updates from Standing Committees of the Board:
• Stoplight Report from People & Mission Committee of the Board
On behalf of the People and Mission Committee, V. Smye apprised the Board of the current trending data on workplace violence incidents at St. Joseph’s and the work underway to address issues and concerns. She then highlighted the successes of Volunteer Services.
• Stoplight Report from Quality Committee of the Board
P. Cassidy highlighted the Registered Nurses' Association of Ontario’s Best Practice Spotlight Organization Program of which St. Joseph’s has been a designate since 2009. These are nurse led deliverables and accountabilities and truly recognize and promotes the nurse as a leader in the health care system.
5. In-Camera Meeting
It was MOVED and SECONDED the meeting of the Board of Directors move in-camera at 4:30 p.m.
CARRIED.
The regular meeting of the Board of Directors resumed at 6:49 p.m.
6. Termination of Meeting
There being no further business, the Chair declared the meeting terminated at 6:50 p.m.