Ontario Ombudsman Andre Marin released a report Aug. 10 which criticizes the Hamilton Niagara Haldimand Brant Local Health Integration Network for holding in-camera meetings when discussing plans to close local emergency rooms.

According to media reports, the LHIN adopted an “illegal” bylaw which allowed them to meet behind closed doors for “educational” purposes.

“They then used these secret meetings … to discuss the restructuring plans with the key players away from public view,” Marin said.

He said this same bylaw is being passed by LHINs right across the province.

Health Minister Deb Matthews defended the LHIN model, saying it is a good one, which the government will strengthen.

Ontario NDP leader Andrea Horwath called for a moratorium on hospital restructuring until a review of LHINs is completed.

“People are tired of seeing scarce dollars spent on bloated CEO salaries while frontline care suffers and community voices are ignored.”

Ontario Progressive Conservative leader Tim Hudak reportedly said at a press conference that LHINs should be abolished, and the $200 million in savings put back into the health system.