The provincial panel of pandemic advisors says it’s being dissolved however the Ford government says its work will go on.

Members of Ontario’s COVID-19 Science Advisory Table wrote in a letter that Public Health Ontario informed them last week that it would be dissolved as of September 6.

“The Science Table’s work reflects the remarkable dedication of the hundreds of volunteer scientists, physicians and administrators who devoted their time to the effort,” they wrote.

“We are deeply grateful for the opportunity to have served Ontario since July of 2020.  Many of us will remember our work for the Science Table as some of the most important work we have ever had the chance to do.”

A statement Friday from Public Health Ontario suggested it is looking at forming a new group, saying it has been engaged in discussions with science table representatives over the last few weeks over new terms of reference.

“The new terms of reference establish a mandate that reflects a long-term, sustainable approach and ensures the continued provision of credible and independent scientific and technical public health advice to the province on COVID-19 and future public health emergencies,” it wrote.

“Membership will continue to be comprised of independent experts.”

Meanwhile, Doug Ford said he isn’t dissolving the science table.

“We’re actually transferring it over to public health,” the premier said at an unrelated event in Niagara.

 

 

“They had an incredible relationship throughout this pandemic.  They’re going to have a full-time home, rather than be put out there in limbo.”

The group of independent scientists – which was initially overseen by the Dalla Lana School of Public Health at the University of Toronto – has been under Public Health Ontario since April 4, when the agency announced it would host the expert group on a permanent basis.

It said at the time it would develop new terms of reference to become “sustainable over time” and be able to scale up if necessary in the event of future public health emergencies.

The Ministry of Health said in a statement Friday “the work of the Science Advisory Table” will continue.

(The Canadian Press)