Cam Fortems – Kamloops This Week
Kamloops-Thompson-Cariboo MP Cathy McLeod said a new appointment as parliamentary secretary to the minister of health is “close to my heart.”
Prime Minister Stephen Harper made the change Feb. 16, naming five people to new parliamentary-secretary positions. In addition to being parliamentary secretary to Minister of Health Rona Ambrose, McLeod remains parliamentary secretary for Western Economic Diversification.
She was parliamentary secretary for labour, leaving that post as CP Rail and Teamsters Canada announced they will enter arbitration to settle a contract dispute that saw workers walk off the job for two days.
“This [Ministry of Health] is part of where my heart is,” said McLeod, a registered nurse with a master’s degree in primary health care.
She has served in past as parliamentary secretary for Canada Revenue Agency.
“My other portfolios have been amazing learning experiences and I look forward to bringing something of value to the health portfolio.”
While the provinces are responsible for delivery of health care, McLeod said important federal roles include drug safety and research, as well as aboriginal health.