'We want to put the citizen front and centre in the &#39e;valuation; of the system.'

If you want to make a difference in Nunavik's health care and social services system, then Quebec's new health and welfare commissioner wants you.

Dr. Robert Salois wants a resident of Nunavik to join his 27-member forum, which is intended to give ordinary citizens direct influence on health and social services ­policy.

"Citizens are never involved in decision-making, although they're the ones who receive the services, but we never hear about what they think," Salois said. "We want to put the citizen front and centre in the evaluation of the system and our recommendations."

Salois said it's the "first time in the world" a government has set up such a citizens' forum on health and social services.

Salois said, as health and welfare commissioner, he won't look at how money is spent, like an auditor general does.

Instead, taking his direction from the forum, he will make recommendations to the government and table an annual report, which will be also be made public.

The forum will discuss ethical questions, Salois said, and he may also decide to consult the greater public on specific issues.

One member from each administrative regions of Quebec and nine expert members will sit on the forum, which is to meet four times a year.

Interested? It's not too late to apply, but only people with no direct links to Quebec's health and social services system are eligible to sit on the forum.

For more information, call 1-418-643-3040 or consult the web site at www.csbe.gouv.gc.ca.