Statement from Dr. Chris Simpson, President, Canadian Medical Association on retirement of Robert Ghiz as PEI Premier

OTTAWA, Jan. 29, 2015 /CNW/ - The Canadian Medical Association wishes to commend and thank outgoing PEI Premier Robert Ghiz for his service to the Council of the Federation and Canada's health care system. The CMA believes Mr. Ghiz will be remembered as a true nation builder among Premiers for his work on the Council, and in particular his support of seniors. Mr. Ghiz was a founding co-chair with Saskatchewan Premier Brad Wall of the Health Innovation Working Group, which the Council formed in January 2012.

For me personally, I was particularly gratified by Mr. Ghiz's support when I took over as CMA president in August 2014. I called for federal leadership in addressing our aging population. The Premier took the opportunity at last summer's Council of the Federation meeting in Charlottetown to urge support for the CMA's position on the need for a national seniors strategy.

Mr. Ghiz was the first premier to recognize the need for a seniors strategy that will keep our health care system affordable and responsive to changing demands. On behalf of Canada's physicians, let me say once again thank you Mr. Premier. We wish you the best of health and success in the future.

The Canadian Medical Association (CMA) is the national voice of Canadian physicians. Founded in 1867, the CMA is a voluntary professional organization representing more than 80,000 of Canada's physicians and comprising 12 provincial and territorial medical associations and 60 national medical organizations. CMA's mission is helping physicians care for patients. The CMA will be the leader in engaging and serving physicians and be the national voice for the highest standards for health and health care. 

SOURCE Canadian Medical Association

Lucie Boileau, Senior Advisor Communications and Public Outreach, Canadian Medical Association, Email: [email protected], Tel: [phone] ext. 1266, Cell: 613-447-0866