John G. Abbott brings a depth of experience and working knowledge of the provincial health care system. Over the past three years, John served as the voluntary Chair of the Board of Trustees of the Health Care Corporation of St. John's. In addition, he served on the Board of Trustees of the St. John's Nursing Home Board and as chair of the Hoyles-Escasoni Supervisory Committee.

Mr. Abbott has had a successful private management consulting practice that allowed him to undertake assignments in such diverse areas as the design and delivery of health care services, electronic service delivery, organizational analysis and general government services.

Previously, Mr. Abbott served with distinction as a senior executive with the provincial government. Between 1996 and 1999, he served as associate deputy minister of Health and Community Services, chairman and CEO of the Newfoundland and Labrador Housing Corporation, deputy minister of Work, Services and Transportation and deputy minister of Municipal and Provincial Affairs.

Mr. Abbott has a bachelor of arts in political science from Memorial University of Newfoundland and a master of arts in public administration from Carleton University (Ottawa). In 1999, he was recognized for his contribution to public service in this province by being awarded the Lieutenant Governor's Award for Excellence in Public Administration by the Institute for Public Administration of Canada.