PROVINCE SEEKS NATIONAL HEALTH COUNCIL CANDIDATES

The province is looking for potential candidates to serve as expert and public representatives on the soon-to-be-created national Health Council.

The Health Council was a key commitment of the February 2003 First Ministers Accord on Health Renewal. The Council will monitor and make annual public reports on the implementation of the Accord, particularly its accountability and transparency provisions.

Saskatchewan has strongly supported the creation of a national Health Council that is independent, effective and accountable to residents of the province and the country.

"We see the Health Council as an important opportunity to demonstrate that governments are accountable for the way in which we spend health dollars and for the results we achieve," Health Minister John Nilson said.

The new organization will be governed by a 27-member council that includes a chair, 13 federal, provincial and territorial representatives, and 13 expert and public representatives. Saskatchewan can nominate up to four potential candidates to serve as expert or public representatives, and is inviting submissions from the public, health care organizations and other groups. The deadline for submitting names is October 15th, 2003.

"Members of the Health Council will play an important role in shaping the direction of this new organization and will ensure that the public and the health community have a voice in how the health system is run," Nilson said.

Suggestions for the province's four public and expert nominations should be submitted with a short biography or resume to:

E-mail: healthcouncil@health.gov.sk.ca
Fax: (306) 787-2974
Mail: Health Council Nominations
Policy and Planning Branch
Saskatchewan Health
3475 Albert Street
Regina, SK
S4S 6X6

Potential candidates should agree to have their names and credentials submitted for the purpose of participating in the selection process.

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For More Information, Contact:

Mark Rathwell Health Regina Phone: (306)787-4083