Grand Erie Public Health (GEPH) is pleased to announce its new Board of Health Chair at the Board’s first meeting of 2026 today.
Maria Kinkel was elected Chair, while John Bell was voted in as Vice Chair for a second consecutive year.
The Board will also be seeking to fill a City of Brantford appointee position after Member, Kevin Davis, stepped down at Wednesday’s meeting.
The Board for GEPH consists of one council appointee from Haldimand County, two council appointees from Norfolk County, two council appointees from the City of Brantford, one council appointee from the County of Brant, along with up to five appointees appointed by the province.
The new Board of Health is composed of the following members:
- Maria Kinkel, Chair, Provincial appointee
- John Bell, Vice Chair, County of Brant appointee
- John Metcalfe, Haldimand County appointee
- Amy Martin, Norfolk County appointee
- Rose Sicoli, City of Brantford appointee
- Kim Huffman, Norfolk County appointee
- Mike Bodnar, Provincial appointee
The Board of Health is responsible for providing governance and strategic oversight to ensure public health programs and services are delivered in accordance with provincial legislation and community priorities.
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“We are pleased to welcome our new Chair and look forward to working together with the entire Board as we continue to respond to emerging challenges, strengthen community partnerships, and deliver programs that make a meaningful difference for the people we serve. We are grateful to outgoing Chair, Amy Martin, for her leadership and steady guidance in helping establish a strong foundation for Grand Erie Public Health in this first chapter.”
Sarah Page, Chief Executive Officer, Grand Erie Public Health
“The Board of Health plays a key role in shaping the direction of our organization and ensuring accountability to the communities we serve. I welcome our new Chair and look forward to working together with the full Board to continue advancing practical, evidence-informed public health programs and policies that protect and improve health across our region.”
Dr. Jason Malenfant, Medical Officer of Health, Grand Erie Public Health
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Grand Erie Public Health
As one of Ontario’s public health units, we are determined defenders of community health. Our focus on prevention, protection, and promotion contributes to healthier outcomes across Brantford, Brant, Haldimand, and Norfolk. We are committed to being a trusted and authentic source of public health information, guided by the Health Protection and Promotion Act and the Ontario Public Health Standards.