Minister of Health announces six new appointments to the Governing Council of the Canadian Institutes of Health Research

OTTAWA, May 30, 2018 /CNW/ - The Honourable Ginette Petitpas Taylor, Minister of Health, announced today the appointment of six top Canadian health researchers to the Governing Council of the Canadian Institutes of Health Research (CIHR). These appointments took effect on May 24, 2018.  

Together with the current members of CIHR's Governing Council, these exceptional Canadians will play a vital role in helping shape health research that changes the lives of Canadians across the country. They will set CIHR's strategic directions, goals and policies, approve CIHR's budget, and evaluate the organization's performance and achievements.

The Council members will also advise the Minister of Health on how research can strengthen Canada's health care system and improve the effectiveness of health services and products for the benefit of all Canadians.

The following individuals were appointed by the Governor in Council (GiC) to three-year terms:

• Paul Allison of Saint-Lambert, Quebec – Dr. Allison is the Dean of Dentistry at McGill University.
• Diane Gosselin of Laval, Quebec – Dr. Gosselin is the President and CEO of the Quebec Consortium for Drug Discovery (CQDM).
• Louise Lemieux-Charles of Toronto, Ontario – Dr. Lemieux-Charles is a Professor Emeritus at the University of Toronto's Institute of Health Policy, Management and Evaluation (IHPME).
• Amélie Quesnel-Vallée of Montreal, Quebec – Dr. Quesnel-Vallée is a Canada Research Chair in Policies and Health Inequalities and an Associate Professor of sociology and epidemiology at McGill University.
• Josette-Renée Landry of Montreal, Quebec – Dr. Landry is the Founder and CEO of Streamline Genomics and the Vice President (Business Development) at Mitacs.
• Michael Salter of Toronto, Ontario – Dr. Salter is the Chief of Research and the Senior Scientist (Neurosciences & Mental Health) at the Hospital for Sick Children.

Open, transparent and merit-based selection processes

As announced by the Prime Minister in February 2016, the Government is committed to open and transparent processes for selecting GiC appointees. The selection approach is merit-based. It is designed to identify highly qualified candidates who are committed to the principles of public service and embrace public service values, all while striving to achieve regional representation and gender parity. 

Quotes

"I am delighted to announce the appointment of this prestigious group of individuals to CIHR's Governing Council. The diversity of their knowledge and experience will be invaluable for CIHR as the agency continues to invest wisely in health research and innovation for the benefit of all Canadians."

Ginette Petitpas Taylor
Minister of Health

Quick Facts

• At the Canadian Institutes of Health Research (CIHR), we know that research has the power to change lives. As Canada's health research investment agency, we collaborate with partners and researchers to support the discoveries and innovations that improve our health and strengthen our health care system. Composed of 13 Institutes, CIHR provides leadership and support to health researchers and trainees across Canada.
• CIHR's Governing Council comprises a group of up to 18 distinguished Canadians who together provide oversight and strategic direction for the organization and evaluate its overall performance.

Associated Links

• CIHR's Governing Council
• Governor in Council appointments: current and ongoing opportunities
• Governor-in-Council appointment process, February 2016

SOURCE Canadian Institutes of Health Research

Thierry Bélair, Office of Ginette Petitpas Taylor, Minister of Health, 613-957-0200