Provincial Health Council Members Named

Health Minister Jim Smith said today he is looking forward to working with the members of the Provincial Health Council as they begin the task of advising government on health-related issues. Appointments to the council were approved today by a committee of the Nova Scotia legislature.

"I am confident that an excellent mix of individuals has been selected for the board," said Dr. Smith. "We look forward to receiving the council's valuable advice."

The 12 board members represent all regions of the province, reflect Nova Scotia's ethnic and cultural diversity, have solid track records in community service, and have exhibited a broad interest or have had first-hand experience in the health care field.

Health council duties include soliciting public comment on health care matters, providing cabinet with a balanced view of the health care system, increasing public awareness about health care issues, and bringing developments in the health care field to the attention of government.

An act to re-establish the Provincial Health Council was passed by the provincial legislature in June of this year. In July, the Department of Health invited individuals with a broad interest in health care to apply for appointment to the council.

A formal appointment process was carried out and a list of proposed members was presented to the Provincial Human Resources Committee today. The committee has accepted the list and the following individuals have been appointed to the council:

• Barbara Hart, Dartmouth (Chair)
• Douglas Shatford, Amherst
• Vivian Farrell, Pictou
• Tom Bird, Bridgewater
• Merle MacDonald, Canning
• Leona Brown, Yarmouth
• Janet Connors, Dartmouth
• Joan Lay, Halifax
• Daurene Lewis, Bedford
• Beverley Coulson, Musquodoboit Harbour
• Mahmood Naqvi, Sydney
• Sharon Rudderham, Membertou

A total of 86 applications were received for the 12 voluntary positions with the council. Each applicant was considered for appointment to the council based on the set criteria.

A number of factors were taken into consideration by Dr. Smith when selecting individuals for appointment. These factors include:

• geographic representation ensuring representation from all regions of the province

• adherence to the government's affirmative action program

• diversity by ensuring that council members have a mix of education, training and experience

• evidence of having a broad interest and/or experience in the health field

• experience as a community-based volunteer

• experience on committees and/or boards

• communications skills, such as public speaking, consensus building, and writing.