Minister Aglukkaq announces new appointment to the Governing Council of the Canadian Institutes of Health Research

For immediate release –

2012-31

Ottawa (June 26, 2012) – The Honourable Leona Aglukkaq, Minister of Health, today announced the appointment of Madame Michèle Fortin, to the Governing Council of the Canadian Institutes of Health Research (CIHR) for a three-year term.

"I am pleased to announce the appointment of Madame Michèle Fortin," said Minister Aglukkaq. "Madame Fortin's demonstrated commitment to science, culture and communication, and her experience in public education will make her an asset to CIHR’s Governing Council."

Madame Fortin is President and CEO of the educational and cultural television network Télé-Québec. Previously an Associate Deputy Minister of Research, Science and Technology in the Department of Economic Development, Innovation and Exports, and an Assistant Deputy Minister of Higher Education, she also held other senior management positions in the Québec provincial civil service, at the Université du Québec, the Ministry of Social Affairs, the Council of Universities, and the Treasury Board.

Madame Fortin has been awarded many distinctions for her achievements in television programming and management. Over the years, she has been involved in community organizations, as a member of the Boards of Sainte-Justine Hospital for Children and the youth organization Forces Avenir.

Biographies for the members of CIHR's Governing Council can be found on the CIHR website.

The Canadian Institutes of Health Research (CIHR) is the Government of Canada's health research investment agency. CIHR's mission is to create new scientific knowledge and to enable its translation into improved health, more effective health services and products, and a strengthened Canadian health care system. Composed of 13 Institutes, CIHR provides leadership and support to more than 14,100 health researchers and trainees across Canada.

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Media Contacts:

Cailin Rodgers
Office of the Honourable Leona Aglukkaq
Minister of Health
613-957-0200

David Coulombe
Media Relations
Canadian Institutes of Health Research
613-941-4563