NEWS RELEASE For Immediate Release Ministry of Health 2019HLTH0001-000004 Jan. 2, 2019 New and renewed appointments made to health authority boards VICTORIA – Leaders in health policy, community and economic development, and from First Nations are among the government’s latest appointees to the province’s health authority boards. “These new appointees bring a depth of experience from the public and private sectors, local and First Nations government, civil society, labour, health care and research,” said Adrian Dix, Minister of Health. “Their diversity in background, perspective and expertise, and shared commitment to public service further strengthen our health authority boards, during a pivotal time. The boards are playing a key role in helping government accomplish its goals related to restoring a strong public health-care system, innovation and ensuring the needs of a diverse patient population are understood and met.” Indigenous representation on the health authority boards is also increasing. Each health authority now has two board members of First Nations background. “This reflects both the considerable breadth of talent and valuable experience individuals from First Nations bring to the boards, and the need for Indigenous perspectives in health-care decision-making, so services are culturally safe and appropriate,” said Dix. The appointments, made in conjunction with several board terms expiring, include 14 new board members and 12 reappointments. The new appointments include Dr. Penny Ballem as chair of the Vancouver Coastal Health (VCH) Authority. “A physician, professor, former deputy minister to health ministers under the prior Liberal government, Dr. Ballem ranks among the foremost figures in public policy and health care in B.C and the country. Other provinces and the federal government alike seek out her policy advice on key issues and initiatives,” added Dix. “Along with her considerable experience, Dr. Ballem’s tenure at VCH will also benefit from a strong hand off from outgoing chair Kip Woodward. I want to thank Kip for his eight years of leadership and dedication at VCH, and before that as chair of Providence Health. He has played an instrumental role over the past 12 years, especially during times of transition. I am personally thankful and appreciative of his assistance and look forward to working with him in the future on new projects,” said Dix. In addition to Dr. Ballem’s appointment, Tim Manning’s term as chair of the Provincial Health Services Authority has been extended to 2020. New members appointed to health authority boards include: Allan Louis and Karen Hamling to Interior Health; Wilfred (Wilf) Adam, Patricia Sterritt and John Kurjata to Northern Health; Marilyn Slett to the Vancouver Coastal Health board; Sandra Harris, Donisa Bernardo and Dr. Kerry Jang to the Provincial Health Services and the British Columbia Emergency Health Services boards; Joanne Mills and Manpreet Grewal to Fraser Health; Alana Nast and Fred Pattje to the Island Health board. In addition to the new board members, the following people have been reappointed: Tammy Tugnum, Dennis Rounsville and Diane Jules as board members for Interior Health; Stephanie Killam as a board member for Northern Health; Howard Harowitz, Allan Baydala and Clifford Fregin as board members for Vancouver Coastal Health; Robert Kiesman, Chief Clarence Louie and Sharon Stromdahl as board members for the Provincial Health Services Authority and the British Columbia Emergency Health Services boards; Robina Thomas as a board member for Island Health. In addition to VCH board chair Kip Woodward, other outgoing board members include: Patricia Dooley, Interior Health; Markus T. Delves, Fraser Health; Jean Wheeler and Dr. Roger Barnsley, Island Health; Maurice Squires and Benjamin Sander, Northern Health; and Donald Brooks and Joan Rafferty, Provincial Health Services Authority. “I want to express, on behalf of the health authorities and ministry, a sincere thank you to these departing members for their service and contribution,” said Dix. Health authority board members help ensure British Columbians receive the best possible care in an efficient, well-managed public health-care system. Boards are responsible for the governance and oversight of health services in the province. They work with health authority leadership to establish the organization’s overall vision and ensure there is appropriate community consultation. Boards also regularly review the organization's long-term plans, identify significant issues affecting the organization and evaluate results. Two backgrounders follow. Contact: Ministry of Health Communications 250 952-1887 (media line) Connect with the Province of B.C. at: news.gov.bc.ca/connect BACKGROUNDER 1 For Immediate Release Ministry of Health 2019HLTH0001-000004 Jan. 2, 2019 New appointments to health authority boards Interior Health Allan Louis: Allan Louis serves as a councillor of the Okanagan Indian Band, maintaining a focus on ideas and initiatives meant to benefit the membership. He is co-chair of the Aboriginal Education Committee for School District 22, recognizing First Nations interests and challenges with the current education model. In addition, he is an active member of the First Nations Health Council, working together with local, provincial and federal governments to achieve innovative ways of delivering health services to First Nations. Louis is the owner of Maximum One Venture. Previously, he worked as a manager for Vernon Travel Lodge. He has also worked as the security manager for Casino of the Rockies and as a service advisor for Cranbrook Dodge. Louis attended Okanagan College. Karen Hamling: Karen Hamling served four terms as mayor of Nakusp. Hamling retired after many years at the Arrow Lakes Hospital, most of which were spent as the health records supervisor. She previously owned two businesses and now helps with a forestry contracting business. As an active member in the community, Hamling is currently the treasurer and one of the original directors and founders of the Nakusp and Area Community Foundation, co- ordinator for Music in the Park and a past director with Community Futures of Central Kootenay. She is also involved in community health, the steering committee for the Columbia Basin Trust (CBT) Community Initiatives and Affected Areas funding program and has attended all CBT symposiums. She is also the vice-chair of the Columbia River Treaty Local Governments Committee and was vice-chair of the Southern Interior Development Initiative Trust. Hamling received her licensed practical nursing certification and is an accredited health record technician. Island Health Alana Nast: Alana Nast is a chartered professional accountant from Victoria. After graduating from the University of Victoria in 1983 with a bachelor's degree in economics, she entered articles with the Office of the Auditor General of B.C. and received her designation in 1988. She worked for national accounting firms in Victoria for 13 years. She is currently a principal with Green Horwood & Co LLP chartered professional accountants, where she continues to operate her accounting practice. Fred Pattje: Fred Pattje is a retired councillor of the City of Nanaimo. As a councillor, he chaired committees on public safety, city planning, arts and culture, and parks and recreation. He was also an alternate director of the Regional District of Nanaimo. Pattje previously worked for Canadian airlines in various positions including marketing and sales. Active in his community, Pattje is a member of the board of the Nanaimo Conservatory of Music. He is also a founding member of the Departure Bay Neighbourhood Association. Pattje studied arts and sciences at McMaster University. Northern Health Wilfred (Wilf) Adam: Wilf Adam was born in Burns Lake, grew up in a small community called Pendleton Bay, and later returned to live in Burns Lake. Adam represented the Lake Babine Nation for over 27 years in different capacities, including serving as Chief for 17 years. He has also been elected six times as Commissioner of the B.C. Treaty Commission. Adam is a co- founder of the Burns Lake Law Centre. John Kurjata: John Kurjata is a partner at SKK, an accounting firm based in Dawson Creek. Before studying to become a chartered professional accountant, Kurjata owned and managed businesses in the trucking industry. He is currently a director on the Lake View Credit Union board of directors since 2015, and was elected chair in April 2018. He was also a board member of Community Futures Peace Liard for 15 years, including being part of the self-employment and loans committees, and was a past chair. Kurjata was appointed to the Northern Lights College board of governors in 2011, elected vice-chair in 2012 and was elected board chair in 2015. Patricia Sterritt: Patricia Sterritt is of Tsimshian ancestry, belonging to the Gitga'at Tribe of Hartley Bay. Sterritt served on the Hartley Bay Band council from 1996 to 2005. She was the director of social services for the North Coast Tribal Council for 10 years. Sterritt worked with multicultural organizations committed to serving people, building relationships, establishing communication strategies and creating outreach programs. She was the primary point of contact for the bands with all provincial and federal government agencies and worked with federal department heads, staff and university faculty to develop curriculum for band social workers that resulted in the UVic social work degree program in the North. Vancouver