The St. Joseph's Health System is a Catholic hospital network in Ontario, Canada.
[4] During the COVID-19 pandemic in Ontario, St. Joseph's Villa had a COVID-19 outbreak starting November 2020, resulting in at least 55 infections and 8 deaths.
[2] Tom Stewart, the President and CEO of the St. Joseph's Health System, took an international holiday vacation to the Dominican Republic and other countries from December 18, 2020 until January 5, 2021, contrary to public health advice to avoid non-essential international travel.
Upon his vacation being reported on by the press, Stewart apologized, said he regretted it, and stated that everyone should avoid non-essential travel.
Union leaders representing Ontario Council of Hospital Unions/CUPE, the Registered Nurses' Association of Ontario, and SEIU Healthcare characterized Stewart's decision as "irresponsible" and poor leadership during a time that frontline health workers were struggling.