News Release
1999-73
May 12, 1999
Health Minister announces Executive Director of Nursing Policy
OTTAWA - Minister of Health, Allan Rock, today announced that the Deputy Minister of Health, David Dodge, has appointed Dr. Judith Shamian to the new position of Executive Director of Nursing Policy at Health Canada. This announcement coincides with Nursing Week.
Dr. Shamian is an internationally respected health care and nursing leader who brings 20 years of experience to the position, which is intended to strengthen the focus on nursing policy issues within Health Canada. The Minister announced the creation of this position last June when he spoke to the Canadian Nurses' Association at their Biennial Convention and Annual General Meeting.
The Minister said, "I know that Dr. Shamian will provide me and the Department with the first hand knowledge we need on renewing Canada's health system. Dr. Shamian's appointment to this important new position is a positive step towards finding ways to better utilize the remarkable knowledge and expertise of nurses in strengthening the health of all Canadians."
Mr. Rock also pointed to the announcement of a nursing research (NURSE) fund in the 1999 Budget as another example of the federal government's recognition of the vital role nurses play in the health care system. "As Canada's largest group of professional health care providers, nurses are the backbone of our health care system. The NURSE Fund will facilitate some greatly needed research on the changing roles and the changing needs of their profession."
The Minister noted that the terms of reference for the new position were developed cooperatively by a working group of Health Canada officials and representatives of nurses' organizations. He emphasized that the work of the Executive Director will enhance, rather than supplant or replace, the existing lines of communication and cooperation with nursing organizations.
The Executive Director will be responsible for advising Health Canada on the nursing perspective on various policy issues and programs, representing that perspective in various fora, and contributing to health policy formulation and program development. She will also be responsible for working closely with the nursing community in developing advice to the Minister and the Department.
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