Hon. Dr.

Eric Hoskins
Minister of Health and Long Term care
Hepburn Block
10th Flr
80 Grosvenor St
Toronto ON M7A2C4

26 Nov 2015
Dear Minister,
I am writing today with serious reservations and concerns regarding the governance and
administration of the Carleton Place and District Memorial Hospital (CPDMH) under the current
CPDMH Hospital Board and CEO. Im left to conclude that the only resolution is the
appointment of a provincial supervisor to oversee the business of the hospital until such time
that the Board has been re-established as a viable body of governance, and the CEO has been
replaced.
The CEO, Toni Surko has informed me of allegations of conflicts of interest directed towards
Board Trustees, but has taken no action to investigate or inform the Board of these claims nor
to institute a remedy. Presently, Im unaware of the extent of these conflicts of interest and if
they relate to financial, administrative or governance matters. It is in this light that the CEO has
called for and is justifying the removal of municipal representation on the board. This gives me
significant cause for concern, and has diminished my confidence in the Boards ability to
manage their responsibilities.
Furthermore, Ms. Surko and some members of the Board have been engaged in a purposeful
campaign to withhold and misrepresent pertinent information and correspondence which has
mislead board members, the elected municipal representatives of the communities they serve,
and me, as their provincial representative, with regards to communications they have received
from your Ministry over the last few years relating to the original redevelopment proposal for
the hospital.

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These actions and/or omissions appear to be both prejudicial and contrary to the Board
members fiduciary standards of conduct to act in good faith with honesty and loyalty. Each
board member is obligated by law to be diligent in their duties, to be well informed, read all
meeting materials and ask all necessary questions. It becomes self-evident that in order to
comply with these fiduciary duties all board members must be kept accurately informed of all
relevant communications received by the executive. These observations and evidence illustrate
that control of governance matters have been usurped by a few, and has negated any
meaningful role for most members of the board.
As a result, there is great anxiety in the community and among elected municipal councils, and
a growing mistrust in the people charged with governing the systems and mechanisms
established and intended to ensure and secure the continued delivery of emergency and
hospital services to the multiple communities CPDMH serves.
Minister, I do not make this request casually, however I am compelled by the significance and
magnitude of the situation. I unfortunately now find it necessary to request that you appoint an
administrator under the Act to oversee and supervise the activities of the Board until such time
that the Board has been re-established as a viable and honest entity in compliance with the
requirements of the laws and regulations that govern them.
I thank you for your immediate attention to this matter, and look forward to your timely reply.

Sincerely,

Randy Hillier