New Leadership Team at Health

Cheryl Doiron has been confirmed as deputy minister of Health and chief executive officer of the Office of Health Promotion, Premier John Hamm announced today, Sept. 24.

A registered nurse by profession, Ms. Doiron worked as a senior health care administrator in New Brunswick and British Columbia, before coming to Nova Scotia four years ago. She served as associate deputy minister of Health until June 2004, when she was named acting deputy minister of Health.

"Cheryl Doiron's nursing and administrative background make her an ideal choice to continue to bring stability and planned improvements to health care in Nova Scotia," said Premier Hamm. "I can think of no better person than Ms. Doiron to guide the implementation of the Your Health Matters plan to lower wait times, hire more doctors, nurses and other health professionals, expand support for seniors and encourage Nova Scotians to lead healthier lifestyles."

The premier also announced that longtime public service manager Ken Meech has agreed to join the provincial government as assistant deputy minister of Health. Mr. Meech has served as chief administrative officer of the Halifax County Municipality and the Halifax Regional Municipality. From 2002 to 2004, Mr. Meech worked as chief executive officer for the Strait Regional School Board, leading the effort to restore sound, open and transparent financial management practices within the organization. He holds a master's of public administration degree from the University of Western Ontario.

"With Health the largest single expenditure of taxpayer dollars, government has a responsibility to ensure we have the best people at senior leadership who are well-versed in financial management," added the premier. "Ken Meech has the experience taxpayers can count on."

Both appointments are effective Monday, Sept. 27.