Dr. Matt Strauss is officially Haldimand-Norfolk’s Interim Acting Medical Officer Of Health.
Concerns were raised over social media posts last week, which lead to a special council meeting yesterday.
Though he did not have a vote on the matter, Mayor Ken Hewitt from Haldimand County was in attendance to speak on the matter.
He said there is concern on Haldimand’s behalf regarding what will happen if Dr. Strauss is not appointed.
After a lengthy chat behind closed doors with their legal team, and a letter shared to members from Strauss, the board of health decided to move forward with the appointment.
Member Mike Columbus is confident in Dr. Strauss following the in-camera talk.
Dr. Strauss was vocal online regarding his views on lockdowns, but much like Columbus mentioned, he is still very much for other ideas like vaccinations.
Member Kim Huffman, who opposed Dr. Strauss’ appointment last week but ultimately voted in favour this week following this meeting, elaborated on Columbus’ point.
She said she received many emails, and many resident are not fully grasping what a Medical Officer of Health can and can’t do.
Board Chair Kristal Chopp also talked about Strauss and his views, feeling that it would be wrong for descending views on issues to be silenced.
The only person voting against the hiring was Board Member Amy Martin, but she was very careful with her wording following the closed session chat.
The Board has asked Strauss to speak at today’s Council meeting.
You can hear all of council comments here.
Most of the discussion begins at 1 hour and 58 minutes into the video.