Event Details

This PHO Rounds will provide an overview of local public health community focused implementation experiences supporting three First Nations evacuation emergency responses in Peel Region in 2025, through the lens of the PHO Emergency Preparedness framework. The session will focus on the system overview, detailing provincial planning structures and the roles of key partners. The session will then dive into local public health perspectives, covering Peel’s emergency response coordination, the roles of the Incident Commander, emergency managers and frontline public health staff working in oral health and harm reduction. The session will conclude with lessons learned and a discussion of how a continuous quality improvement lens can guide future planning and preparedness efforts.

Intended audience: Public health professionals, particularly those working in emergency management, health equity, dental health, and substance use and injury prevention, Medical Officers of Health (MOHs), Associate Medical Officers of Health (AMOHs), Ministry of Health staff working in emergency response.

By the end of this session, participants will be able to:

• Outline the First Nations community evacuation emergency planning structures in Ontario, including the role for local public health staff.
• Describe community focused implementation and how it is used in emergency response.
• Apply continuous quality improvement principles to their own emergency planning and preparedness efforts.

Paul Sharma is the Director of Chronic Disease and Injury Prevention at Peel Public Health. He brings extensive experience in Oral Health program management from the Middlesex-London and Hastings & Prince Edward Counties Health Units. Paul is an Adjunct Professor at the University of Toronto’s Faculty of Dentistry and currently serves as President of the Ontario Association of Public Health Dentistry (OAPHD), also representing them on the Association of Local Public Health Agencies Board. He started his career as a registered dental hygienist in Toronto, focusing on individuals with HIV, and has contributed to dental hygiene education in teaching and leadership roles.

Sunny Kler is an Emergency Management professional with over seven years of experience across both public and non-profit sectors. She holds an Honours Bachelor of Arts degree from the University of Toronto in Sociology and CCIT, and the Associate Business Continuity Professional (ABCP) designation. Since joining Peel Public Health in June 2024, Sunny has supported urgent public health responses and supported various projects. Prior to this, she spent several years at the Red Cross, where she led and supported emergency operations ranging from small-scale residential fires to large-scale mass evacuations.

Dwight Bungay currently is the Manager of the Children's Oral Health program at Peel Public Health and has worked with the Region of Peel since 2006. He is a Registered Dental Hygienist and has worked in people management positions since 2008. This includes roles in the COVID response. Outside of work, he competes in Masters track and field.

Krystle Livingston is a committed public health leader specializing in Harm Reduction . She holds an Honours Bachelor of Social Science from the University of Toronto and works to ensure marginalized communities access the care they need. As a Supervisor, Krystle leads a diverse team focused on building healthier communities through evidence-based training and strategic partnerships. Her expertise spans substance use, policy development, and community engagement. Known for her inclusive leadership and dedication to equity, Krystle drives impactful change across populations. Her thoughtful approach, collaborative spirit, and passion for public service continue to shape meaningful improvements in population health and well-being.

Chris Thind is the Director of Health for Kashechewan First Nation and a seasoned paramedic with experience across urban and remote regions, including Northwestern Ontario. He has served as a paramedic in Toronto and Kingston and worked with Indigenous Services Canada (ISC) and the Weeneebayko Area Health Authority (WAHA), coordinating health and evacuation operations along the James Bay coast. Combining frontline expertise with strategic leadership, Chris focuses on improving emergency preparedness and access to culturally informed health services in northern and Indigenous communities.

The opinions expressed by speakers and moderators do not necessarily reflect the official policies or views of Public Health Ontario, nor does the mention of trade names, commercial practices, or organizations imply endorsement by Public Health Ontario.

Public Health Ontario Rounds are a self-approved group learning activity (Section 1) as defined by the Maintenance of Certification Program of the Royal College of Physicians and Surgeons of Canada (RCPSC).

Other colleges, including the College of Family Physicians of Canada, Royal College of Dental Surgeons of Ontario and the Canadian Institute of Public Health Inspectors, may accept RCPSC accredited events on a per-hour basis. Please contact your relevant college should you have any questions.

In order to receive written documentation for Continuing Medical Education (CME) credits, please check "Yes" beside the question "Do you require CME credits?" on the registration form.

For more information or for a record of registration for other Continuing Education purposes, please contact capacitybuilding@oahpp.ca.

Public Health Ontario is committed to complying with the Accessibility for Ontarians with Disabilities Act (AODA). If you require accommodations to participate in this event, please contact 647-260-7100 or capacitybuilding@oahpp.ca.