Statement on Ontario Nurses' Association Chief Executive Officer

TORONTO, Sept. 9, 2014 /CNW/ - Linda Haslam-Stroud, RN, President of the Ontario Nurses' Association (ONA), released the following statement on the appointment of Michael Balagus as chief of staff to Ontario New Democratic Party (NDP) leader Andrea Horwath:

"Last year, my Board of Directors colleagues and I recruited Michael to lead the staff of our union through a period of unprecedented political change. Michael met that challenge with inspiration, energy and political insight.

Michael thanked ONA for the opportunity to work for the 60,000 members of the union, saying: 'Ontario's Registered Nurses and allied health professionals are exceptional people doing outstanding work for the people of this province. To work for them has truly been an honour.'

On behalf of all our members and student affiliate-members, I congratulate Michael on this exciting and challenging new opportunity.

I am very pleased to announce Marie Kelly as our Interim Chief Executive Office/Chief Administrative Officer, effective October 1, 2014. Marie is a seasoned labour lawyer and ONA Director who understands how our organization works and the priorities of our Registered Nurses and allied health professionals."

Kelly, currently ONA's Director of Labour Relations – Contract Administration will be the acting-Chief Executive Officer/Chief Administrative Officer.

ONA is the union representing 60,000 registered nurses and allied health professionals, as well as more than 14,000 nursing student affiliates providing care in hospitals, long-term care facilities, public health, the community, clinics and industry.

www.ona.org | Facebook.com/OntarioNurses | Twitter.com/OntarioNurses

SOURCE: Ontario Nurses' Association

Ontario Nurses' Association: Peter D. Birt, [email protected], 416-964-1979 ext.2237; Ken Marciniec, [email protected], 416-803-6066