Appointment of Chief Medical Health Officer

YELLOWKNIFE (January 29, 2009) – A new Chief Medical Health Officer was appointed by Health and Social Services Minister Sandy Lee today for the Department of Health and Social Services.

Dr. Cindy Orlaw will replace Dr. André Corriveau, and assume responsibility as Chief Medical Health Officer for the Northwest Territories. To assist with the transition, Dr. Corriveau will continue in an advisory role one day per week until July 2009.“I would like to thank Dr. Corriveau for his outstanding work as Chief Medical Health Officer during the past 11 years and his contribution to the NWT health and social service system. I truly believe Dr. Corriveau made the people of the NWT healthier as a whole. I would also like to welcome Dr. Orlaw, who brings a wealth of northern experience and is familiar with health and social service system in the Northwest Territories,” said Minister Lee.

“It has been a privilege for me to serve the people of the Northwest Territories as their Chief Medical Health Officer over the past decade. I will forever be indebted to all those who have supported me in this work and particularly the staff in my office who have great passion and dedication for improving the health and wellbeing of our population,” said Dr. Corriveau.

“I am looking forward to becoming the Chief Medical Health Officer for the GNWT. Although I have large shoes to fill, I am excited about facing the challenges. As a Northerner and an Aboriginal doctor, I bring unique points of view to this role,” said Dr. Orlaw.

For more information, contact:

Damien Healy
Manager Communications
Health and Social Services
Tel: (867) 920-8927