Nunavik health board names new executive director

In January 2013 Minnie Grey will return to the Nunavik Regional Board of Health and Social Services as its executive director. (FILE PHOTO)

Minnie Grey will return to the job she held for many years: the board of directors of the Nunavik Regional Board of Health and Social Services announced Grey’s appointment as executive director on Dec. 4.

The members unanimously adopted the selection committee’s recommendation, a news release said.

Grey has held various positions during her career, including a previous period as regional health board’s executive director. Grey also served as head negotiator for Nunavik’s regional government.

She has chaired the committee to address youth protection services in Nunavik and continues to work to implement recommendations from the 2007 Quebec Human Rights Commission report on Nunavik children and youth.

Most recently, she was co-chair of Nunavik conference on prevention and empowerment, called “Inuusitta Makitjuumigiaqarniga – Strengthening our Lives,” to find ways of re-establishing wellness, safety and social peace within the region.

Grey is also former executive member of the Inuit Circumpolar Council, Makivik Corp. and Inuit Tapiriit Kanatami. She was also a member of Makivik’s education task force, which called for sweeping changes to Nunavik’s educational system in 1995.

In February 2012, she received a recognition award from the Indspire awards (formerly the National Aboriginal Achievement Foundation Awards).

“Mrs. Grey’s experience and reputation are invaluable assets for the Nunavik health and social services network. She is very capable of guiding the NRBHSS in applying the regional priorities,” stated Josepi Padlayat, chairperson of the board of directors.

Gilles Boulet, assistant to the executive director, will stand in as interim executive director until Grey assumes her duties on Jan. 7, 2013.

The health board has been looking for a new executive director since last June when its board of directors decided they would not renew the contract of executive director Jeannie May when it expired Sept. 7.