Mr. Kusugak is a well known and respected northern voice. He has handled many northern issues and his experience will help ensure that those issues will be voiced at an important national forum, said Picco. Nunavummiut will benefit from the fact that he will bring forward his extensive knowledge of Nunavut's unique challenges and successes in health care delivery.

As President of Inuit Tapiriit Kanatami, Kusugak is a well-known voice on national and international stages for issues that affect or involve Inuit.

The chair of the Health Council and its 26 members were announced this week by Federal Health Minister Anne McLellan and Colin Hansen, British Columbia's Minister of Health Services. They made the announcement on behalf of federal, provincial, and territorial Ministers of Health.

The Health Council, made up of 13 government representatives and an equal number of public representatives and an independent chair, is a result of a commitment made at the February 2003 First Ministers' Accord on Health Care Renewal.

Deputy Minister of Health and Social Services, Bernie Blais, is the government representative for Nunavut.

Minister Picco is also very pleased that former NWT Premier and Inuvialuit Nellie Cournoyea, as well as Dr. Brian Postl and Dr. Robert McMurtry who have strong Nunavut ties, are also on the council.