Health PEI welcomes two new board members

Two Islanders have been named to the Health PEI Board of Directors, bringing new community perspectives and competencies to help oversee the provincial health care system.

New board members Dr. George Saunders and John Horrelt will fill positions previously held by Kenneth Ezeard, whose term has come to an end, and by Warren Ellis, who is stepping down to focus on his businesses. Engage PEI promoted and encouraged Islanders to apply for the vacant positions, then candidates were screened and interviewed before the board forwarded a recommendation to the minister of Health and Wellness for final approval.

“Islanders have always been willing to step forward and work together to make Prince Edward Island a better place, which is one of the things that makes us a mighty Island,” Health and Wellness Minister Robert Henderson said. “We are fortunate to have a diverse mix of skilled community leaders with a broad combination of skills necessary to govern our health care system.

“Island heath care will benefit from the valuable perspectives and experiences Dr. Saunders and Mr. Horrelt bring to the table; I also extend my sincere appreciation to Ken Ezeard and Warren Ellis for their hard work and dedication to both the board and to Islanders.”

Four current members are being reappointed to the Health PEI board: Phyllis Horne, Kay Lewis, Blaine MacPherson and Sally Lockhart. There have been 21 Islanders who have served on the board since its inception in 2010.

The Health PEI Board works on behalf of all Islanders to provide high-level oversight of the organization’s financial management as well as the delivery of safe, quality health care.

To apply for a vacancy on more than 70 Engage PEI agencies, boards or commissions, visit princeedwardisland.ca/engagepei.

Backgrounder

To see a list of current Health PEI board members, visit Engage PEI.

Dr. George Saunders  BSc, MD

Dr. George Saunders of Charlottetown has had a long and distinguished career as a family physician in PEI spanning 44 years. During this time, he spent 17 years as the Medical Director of the Provincial Rehabilitation Unit at the Queen Elizabeth Hospital (QEH). Dr. Saunders has also served as a member of several boards including the PEI Medical Society, QEH Medical Advisory Committee, Registered Nursing Program of PEI and St. Dunstan’s University.

John Horrelt

John Horrelt of Stratford worked for 21 years with MF Schurman Company Limited as the Vice President of Sales and Corporate Development. Following the sale of the business in 2004, Mr. Horrelt entered into a three-year contract with JD Irving Limited to oversee Schurman operations on PEI and Strescon in Moncton. Mr. Horrelt is very active in the community and is presently active in the following Boards: PEI Canadian Mental Health Association and Home Base Inc. (14^th year, including two terms as President, currently on Finance and Government relations committees); President The Adventure Group, (21^st year); Management Committee of the PEI Norton Diamond Indoor Soccer Facility; President of the Murchison Foundation; and, Vice Chair of the UPEI Athletics Inspire Campaign.

Media contact:

Amanda Hamel
Health PEI
(902) 368-6135
ajhamel@gov.pe.ca