February 21, 2007
For immediate release

News Release

Minister of Health congratulates Dr. Frank Plummer on appointment as an Officer of the Order of Canada

OTTAWA - Health Minister Tony Clement today congratulated Dr. Frank Plummer of the Public Health Agency of Canada on his appointment as an Officer of the Order of Canada. Her Excellency, the Right Honourable Michaëlle Jean, Governor General of Canada, made the announcement yesterday and will bestow the insignia on Dr. Plummer and his fellow appointees at a ceremony later in the year. 

“I want to take the opportunity to congratulate Dr. Plummer on this tremendous honour as well as to thank him for his contributions to improving the health of Canadians and people around the world. I worked closely with Dr. Plummer during the SARS crisis and I am honoured to be working with him now to find a vaccine to prevent AIDS," said Minister Clement.  “We are certainly proud of the tremendous leadership he provides to our entire team."

Being appointed an Officer of the Order of Canada recognizes a lifetime of achievement and merit of a high degree, especially in service to Canada or to humanity at large.  Dr. Plummer is being recognized for his invaluable contributions to global health.  Through his work, Dr. Plummer and his team have made major advancements, often breaking existing scientific beliefs such as demonstrating that HIV could be transmitted heterosexually and that male circumcision reduces the chances of contracting the virus.
Dr. Plummer is internationally renowned for, among other things, his groundbreaking research on HIV-immune subjects in Kenya that, it is hoped, could one day lead to a desperately needed vaccine. Dr. Plummer continues to work toward that goal.

Since joining the Government of Canada in 2000, Dr. Plummer has made many significant contributions.  In particular, his leadership during the SARS outbreak saw the National Microbiology Laboratory make significant contribution to the identification and control of the disease.  In his role with the Public Health Agency of Canada, Dr. Plummer has galvanized the infectious disease community, encouraging closer working relationships and coordinating research efforts to ensure improved outcomes. 

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Media Inquiries:
Erik Waddell
Office of the Honourable Tony Clement
Federal Minister of Health
(613) 957-0200

Alain Desroches
Public Health Agency of Canada
(613) 948-7970

Public Inquiries:
(613) 957-2991