TORONTO – The McGuinty Government is looking for Ontarians to become members of the new Ontario Health Quality Council, an arms-length independent body that will monitor the province's health care system and report to the public on how well the system is performing, Health and Long-Term Care Minister George Smitherman announced today.

"In order to build the best possible health care system, we need the best information so we can make the best decisions," Smitherman said. "We're looking for informed, experienced people from communities across the province to become founding members of our new Health Quality Council. They will have the enormously important job of informing Ontarians about the state of their health care system, and the progress we're making in improving it."

The new independent monitoring council will make annual reports on how the health system is performing, including the progress the government is making on health priorities like wait times, the creation of Family Health Teams and promotion of health and wellness. Ontarians will be able to judge for themselves whether our health investments are yielding the results that they should.

"We're opening ourselves up to the scrutiny of Ontarians," said Smitherman." It is their health care system paid for with their tax dollars, and they have a right to know how well that money is being spent."

The council will be established under the Commitment to the Future of Medicare Act, 2004, that received Royal Assent on June 17, 2004. Ten Ontarians are being sought to serve on the council. The government is looking for people who have a demonstrated interest or experience in health care, have expertise in health issues, governance or accountability, or are health care providers. An ad campaign to help recruit Ontarians to serve on the council will begin in all Ontario daily newspapers beginning the week of March 21, 2005.

For further information :

Members of the general public : (416) 327-4327, or (800) 268-1154

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