TIMMINS – Weeneebayko Area Health Authority has announced that at a Meeting of Directors held in Timmins recently, the voting Directors, comprising a majority of the Members of the Corporation, suspended the CEO of the Corporation, Mr. Bernie D. Schmidt. This suspension was deemed necessary to allow complaints and allegations from the communities receiving medical, dental and other essential health services, to be reviewed and dealt with by the Board of Directors, the body responsible for the governance, supervision, and management of the affairs of the Corporation.
The Board also wishes to express its thanks to Mr. Leo Loone, who has been a Director and Chair of the Corporation for many years. Following a review of the By-Laws of the Corporation, the Board of Directors acknowledged the resignation of Mr. Loone to allow his replacement as an elected Director and Member of the Corporation, by appointment, of one of the 6 nominating communities served by the Corporation. The Board wishes Mr. Loone success in his future endeavours.
Ms. Shirley Gagnon, a Director and Member of the Corporation appointed by Attawapiskat First Nation, has been chosen Interim Chair of the Corporation. Ms. Gagnon stated “The communities and stakeholders served by Weeneebayko Area Health Authority have clearly requested that the Board of Directors exercise governance over the Corporation. The elected Directors of the Board, comprising a majority of the 11 Members of the Corporation, met in camera to carry out the wishes expressed by the Communities that have appointed us to govern this Corporation, which provides essential services to our people.”
Weeneebayko Area Health Authority is a regional, community-focused organization, committed to providing optimum health care as close to home as possible. Its Vision Statement is: Weeneebayko Area Health Authority will distinguish itself as a provider of quality health services with a holistic approach that reflects the distinct needs of all peoples in the Weeneebayko region.
