Prime Minister reaffirms commitment to reducing patient wait times

From the Prime Minister's Web Site (http://www.pm.gc.ca/)

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Prime Minister reaffirms commitment to reducing patient wait times

February 21, 2006
Ottawa, Ontario

Prime Minister Stephen Harper today reiterated the Government’s plan to negotiate a Patient Wait Times Guarantee with the provinces and in doing so commended the Quebec’s plan to ensure patients receive timely access to vital services.

Speaking of Quebec’s announcement that it will now provide public funds for private treatment, where needed, the Prime Minster noted, “We welcome this innovative approach as a starting point and it is our hope that the Government of Canada will be able to collaborate with all of its provincial and territorial government partners to develop a national Patient Wait Times Guarantee.”

Mirroring the Government of Canada’s approach, the Quebec proposal would allow those residents who cannot receive timely treatment in their own area to receive treatment in another jurisdiction or at a private clinic with costs being paid for by public insurance.

“Care must be there when Canadians need it – which is why a Patient’s Wait Times Guarantee will be one of the top priorities of this Government.”

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The Prime Minister’s Office - Communications
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Appointment of new Clerk of the Privy Council and Secretary to the Cabinet

From the Prime Minister's Web Site (http://www.pm.gc.ca/)

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Prime Minister announces appointment of new Clerk of the Privy Council and Secretary to the Cabinet

NEWS RELEASE

February 21, 2006
Ottawa, Ontario

Prime Minister Stephen Harper today announced the appointment of Mr. Kevin G. Lynch as Clerk of the Privy Council and Secretary to the Cabinet, effective March 6, 2006. Mr. Lynch will serve as the 20th Clerk of the Privy Council.

“Mr. Lynch is known as a highly focussed professional, who will certainly bring a wealth of experience to the top public service job in Canada,” said Prime Minister Harper. “He understands our five-priority agenda and will greatly contribute to moving it forward.”

Kevin Lynch is Executive Director of the International Monetary Fund. He began his career at the Bank of Canada in 1976. He has held a number of senior positions in the Finance and Industry departments, including the post of Deputy Minister of Industry from 1995 to 2000, and Deputy Minister of Finance from March 2000 to September 2004.

Mr. Himelfarb’s next appointment will be announced shortly. Before becoming Clerk of the Privy Council, in 2002, he was Deputy Minister of Canadian Heritage, a position he held since June 1999. He previously served as Associate Secretary of the Treasury Board, and Head of the Social Union Task Force and Sherpa for the meeting of heads of Progressive Governments. Mr. Himelfarb has almost 25 years of experience in the Public Service.

“I am pleased that Mr. Himelfarb will continue to serve the public interest. We thank him for his wise guidance and assistance through this transition period. During his tenure, he has provided guidance for two transitions and advice to three Prime Ministers. Mr. Himelfarb has served his country well during a period of considerable uncertainty,” Prime Minister Harper said.


Biographical notes are following.


* * * * * * * * * *

KEVIN G. LYNCH


Born: January 1951, Cape Breton, Nova Scotia

Education:

- B.A., (Honours) Economics, Mount Allison University
- M.A., Economics, University of Manchester
- Ph.D., Economics, McMaster University

Marital Status:

Married, 2 children

Professional Experience:
September 2004 to present
Executive Director for the Canadian, Irish and Caribbean constituency at the International Monetary Fund (Washington, D.C.)

March 2000 – September 2004
Deputy Minister of Finance

October 1995 to March 2000
Deputy Minister of Industry

November 1992 - October 1995
Associate Deputy Minister of Industry

1992 (February to October)
Senior Assistant Deputy Minister, Fiscal Policy and Economic Analysis Branch, Department of
Finance

October 1989 - 1992
Assistant Deputy Minister, Fiscal Policy and Economic Analysis Branch, Department of Finance

1988 - 1989
Assistant Deputy Minister, International Trade and Finance Branch, Department of Finance

1983 - November 1988
Director, Economic Forecasting Division, Fiscal Policy and Economic Analysis Branch, then in
1986, General Director, Fiscal Policy and Economic Analysis Branch, Department of Finance

1981 - 1983
Assistant Chief, Financial Flows Section, then Chief, Financial Modelling and Research Section,
Capital Markets Division, Department of Finance

1976 - 1981
Economist, Special Studies Group, Department of Monetary and Financial Analysis, then Senior
Economist, Special Studies Group, Research Department, Bank of Canada

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The Prime Minister’s Office - Communications
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Prime Minister to hold media availability on health care and on the appointment of Mr. Kevin Lynch as Clerk of the Privy Council

From the Prime Minister's Web Site (http://www.pm.gc.ca/)

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Prime Minister to hold media availability

February 21, 2006
Ottawa, Ontario

Prime Minister Stephen Harper will hold a media availability in the foyer of the House of Commons. The Prime Minister is expected to make a statement on health care and on the appointment of Mr. Kevin Lynch as Clerk of the Privy Council.

When:
February 21, 2006, 2:30 p.m. (EST)

Where:
Foyer of the House of Commons, Centre Block, Parliament Hill, Ottawa

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The Prime Minister’s Office - Communications
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