SASKATOON, May 26 /CNW/ - Today at the Spring meeting of the Health Council of Canada, CEO John G. Abbott extended his thanks to the Councillors whose terms conclude next month. These representatives - essentially our board - some of whom have served since 2004, have fulfilled their commitment to keep Canadians informed about the progress of health care renewal in this country as was outlined in the 2003 and 2004 Health Accords.
"Whether serving on our sub-committees, speaking with the media, or sharing the Health Council's findings in their own jurisdictions, these Councillors have been a respected voice and presence in clarifying complex health care issues for all Canadians. Their commitment to the nation has been to assist Canadians and their governments in finding the ways needed to improve quality, enhance access to and support the sustainability of our health care system for this and future generations," said Mr. Abbott. In particular, Mr. Abbott paid tribute to Dr. Jeanne Besner, who guided the Council over the past four years.
Over the summer, a new Chair and team of Councillors under a revised corporate governance structure will assume the helm of the Health Council of Canada. A secretariat based in Toronto continues to support Councillors in reporting on the progress of health care renewal in Canada along with the best health care practices that are working well for Canadians.
Background
The Health Council of Canada, created by the 2003 First Ministers' Accord on Health Care Renewal, is mandated to monitor and report on the progress of health care renewal in Canada. Councillors are appointed by the participating provinces, territories and the Government of Canada. Examples of key Accord themes upon which the Health Council of Canada reports are: Primary Health Care; Aboriginal Health; Prevention, Promotion and Public Health; Pharmaceuticals Management; Health Outcomes Improvement; Health Human Resources; and Wait Times and Access.
For more on the Health Council of Canada and to view new reports and information for 2010-2011, visit www.healthcouncilcanada.ca.
Current Council members, by name and jurisdiction, are as follows:
Government Representatives Non-Government Representatives
Dr. Bruce Beaton - Yukon Dr. Jeanne F. Besner - Chair
Mr. Albert Fogarty - Dr. M. Ian Bowmer - Vice Chair
Prince Edward Island Mr. Jean-Guy Finn
Dr. Alex Gillis - Nova Scotia Dr. Danielle Martin
Mr. Michel C. Leger - New Brunswick Mr. George L. Morfitt
Ms. Lyn McLeod - Ontario Ms. Verda Petry
Mr. David Charles Richardson - Nunavut
Ms. Elizabeth Snider - Northwest
Territories
Dr. Les Vertesi - British Columbia
For further information: Stefany Singh, Communications Co-ordinator, Health Council of Canada, Phone: (416) 480-7093, ssingh@healthcouncilcanada.ca