Wiwchar's appointment gives Timmins a direct voice on health care network

By NE LHIN news release / The Timmins Times
A well-known Timmins man has been named as a director to the North East Local Health Integration Network (NE LHIN).
Wally Wiwchar is appointed to a three-year term as a representative of the Cochrane District, said a news release issued Monday.
NE LHIN Interim Chair Peter Vaudry and CEO Louise Paquette are both pleased to welcome Wallace "Wally" Wiwchar LHIN Board of Directors for a three year term, said the release.
"We are very fortunate to have Wally join the Board," said Vaudry. "His experience in both governance and education will be a tremendous asset to the NE LHIN."
Wiwchar has a strong background steeped in both local and provincial health care governance having served in the past as Chair of the Ontario Hospital Association (OHA), Chair of the Board of Directors Timmins & District Hospital, and Chair of St. Mary's Hospital. In recognition of his service, the OHA has made him a life-time member. Some of his other health care governance experience includes an appointment to the Board of the Porcupine Health Unit, Chair of the OHA Health and Safety Advisory Committee, and the Handi Trans Committee for the City of Timmins, said the release.
Before his retirement in 1995, Wiwchar worked more than 30 years with the Timmins Board of Education as a teacher, vice-principal, and special education consultant. During the late 1980s, he also taught courses at Nipissing University College. Currently, he is the co-owner of Youlten Carlson Wagonlit Travel in Timmins.
Besides serving on boards, Wiwchar has also done a tremendous amount of work in his community from fighting fires as volunteer with the Schumacher Fire Department to refereeing in the Northern Ontario Hockey Association to teaching on the slopes with the Canadian Ski Patrol.
"I look forward to serving on the NE LHIN Board," said Wiwchar. "This appointment provides the opportunity to engage in discussions and decisions that will better reflect the unique health care needs of the North East LHIN region."