The Ontario Science Table, which is responsible for producing provincial COVID reports, will be dissolved on September 6. However, Premier Ford says this isn’t the end.

In a memo, members of the Science Table wrote, “At a meeting on August 18, 2022, the Ontario COVID-19 Science Advisory Table (the “Science Table”) was told by Public Health Ontario (PHO) that the Science Table and its working groups would be dissolved as of September 6, 2022. As the Science Table winds down in the coming weeks, we will aim to complete our existing work.”

They added, “The Science Table’s work reflects the remarkable dedication of the hundreds of volunteer scientists, physicians and administrators who devoted their time to the effort.”

“We are deeply grateful for the opportunity to have served Ontario since July of 2020. Many of us will remember our work for the Science Table as some of the most important work we have ever had the chance to do.”

However, during an unrelated news conference in Niagara, Premier Doug Ford told reporters that Public Health Ontario plans to “absorb” the duties previously handled by the Table.

“We aren’t dissolving it,” Ford said. “They are going to have a full-time home over at public health working with [Chief Medical Officer Dr. Kieran Moore].”

Speaking with CP24, a spokesperson for the Ministry of Health said the “work of the Science Advisory Table (SAT) will continue.” They added that this transition “will help bolster its provincial resources, and ensure it can continue its strong connections with the broader academic community.”