Deputy minister leaves health department

By NUNATSIAQ NEWS

Nunavut’s Department of Health and Social Services was struck a blow on Wednesday when Premier Paul Okalik announced the resignation of Bernie Blais, the department’s highly respected deputy minister.

Blais was appointed deputy minister in July, 2003, after a long career which included serving as the deputy minister of health for the government of Manitoba.

“Mr. Blais played a significant role in managing the Department of Health and Social Services within its budget and improving the recruitment and retention of medical professionals,” Okalik said in a press release.

As of Wednesday, Blais did not give a departure date.

The GN will appoint an acting deputy minister in January until a new deputy minister is recruited.

Meanwhile, the health department continues to be short-staffed at the top, with vacancies in both of its assistant deputy minister positions.

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