Canadian Reformer Honored

On the opening day of the 44th Directing Council meeting, Romanow was honored for his outstanding contributions to health care reform in Canada, particularly his leadership of the 2001 Commission on the Future of Health Care in Canada.

Appointed by Prime Minister Jean Chrétien, the commission examined the long-term challenges of Canada's universal public health care system and recommended measures to ensure its sustainability. During its 18 months of work, the commission held extensive consultations with the Canadian public. Its final report, "Building on Values," formed the basis of a new national health accord between Canada's provincial and territorial leaders.

The commission urged that Canada's federal government shoulder its traditional 50-percent share of provincial spending on core hospital and medical services. It also urged the creation of a national Health Council to establish national standards and benchmarks to use in monitoring the health care system's performance.

"What made the commission particularly meaningful for me was to witness Canadians' deep personal belief that Canada's program of Medicare is the single greatest symbol of their uniqueness as Canadians," said Romanow on receiving the award.

Romanow was named to head the commission following a 34-year career in politics. A native of Saskatoon, he earned arts and law degrees from the University of Saskatchewan. He served eight terms in the the provincial legislature. From 1971 to 1982, he served as deputy premier and attorney general of Saskatchewan, introducing a number of justice system reforms, including the creation of the Saskatchewan Human Rights Commission and the introduction of a Saskatchewan Human Rights Code.

In 1987 he became leader of the Saskatchewan New Democratic party and in 1991 became provincial premier. His government introduced significant reforms concerning children, families and provincial health care.