Community-based mental health workers employed by a hospital are 'hospital employees' under the HLDAA.
The Minister of Labour referred a question to the Ontario Labour Relations Board regarding whether employees of the Program of Assertive Community Treatment (PACT) at Joseph Brant Memorial Hospital are 'hospital employees' under the Hospital Labour Disputes Arbitration Act (HLDAA).
The employer argued that PACT employees, who provide community-based mental health services, are not engaged in the operation of a hospital.
The Board found that PACT Halton is an extension of the hospital, providing treatment and medical monitoring to clients with severe mental illness.
Consequently, the Board advised the Minister that the PACT employees are 'hospital employees' within the meaning of the HLDAA.
Joseph Brant Memorial Hospital v. Ontario Nurses’ Association, 2000 CanLII 13463
