Kamloops-Thompson-Cariboo MP Cathy McLeod is taking on another important role with her recent assignment as parliamentary secretary to the Minister of Health.
McLeod says she is “really delighted” to move into her new position.
“I am absolutely thrilled; it is something near and dear to my heart.”
Prior to entering politics, the local MP worked in health care as a registered nurse, and then soon after going to Ottawa sat on the standing committee on health.
McLeod explains she has had to hit the ground running in terms of supporting Health Minister Rona Ambrose with “a whole number” of initiatives, and is also getting up to speed on her own new committee work.
“[On Feb. 20,] I had an opportunity to speak to the resident doctors of Canada, and not only talk about where they are going with resiliency, but also do a picture of rural health.”
In addition to the health aspects, the MP says she is also looking forward to working more closely with Ambrose.
“She is a great person to work with and I really like the direction that she is taking – certainly some focus on innovation, and [now] some focus on violence. So, I think she has got some really positive things that she is doing in terms of working forward on the health portfolio.”
On Feb. 20, Ambrose announced a 10-year, $100 million investment to prevent, detect and combat family violence and child abuse.
That investment is to support victims of violence and their children, including fostering better information and training for health professionals, improved access to mental-health counselling, and strengthening organizations and partners that provide victims services, McLeod says.
It will be administered through the Public Health Agency of Canada ($7 million/year) and Health Canada ($3 million/year) for the next decade.
McLeod will continue in this same role for Western Economic Diversification, but gives up her assignment as parliamentary secretary to the Minister of Labour.
