Peterborough Public Health recently published a report in which it reiterated the core principles that have always grounded our community’s work in public health:

1. Public health is best delivered at the local level
2. Addressing the social determinants of health is critical to achieving local public
   health objectives
3. Robust investments in public health help to mitigate the costs of primary care
4. Addressing the unique concerns of Indigenous and rural communities need to be a
   public health priority

The next council can act upon those principles in two ways;

1. Address the doctor shortage. Over 1000 people in our area are without a doctor. I am the former chair of the Board of the Morton Community Healthcare Centre and I still serve on the Morton Board and on its property committee. I can report that for three years we have had an empty suite at the Morton centre. It is ready to welcome a new doctor. Two years ago, we established a physician recruitment committee chaired by retired Bridgenorth doctor Tom Hill. The committee has advertised widely, offered six months free rent and other incentives, and cooperated with the Peterborough County Physician recruiter. We have toured several doctors through the centre, but have been unsuccessful. The next council could help with health care in Selwyn by directly supporting the efforts of the Morton Community Healthcare Centre and the Peterborough County physician recruiter to find a new doctor.
2. Recognize the direct links between physical and mental health. The next council can address both by continuing to support the development of walking and bike trails and active parks and greenspaces. Studies have proven that simply walking on safe sidewalks and even more, in a green space or natural setting have positive effects on one’s physical and mental health. We need to intentionally ensure that the people of Selwyn have access to those opportunities and that this imperative is a part of all our planning decisions.