On Friday morning, August 31, 2018 MP John Oliver accepted the position of the Minister of Health's Parliamentary Secretary. The current Canadian Minister of Health is Ginette Petitpas Taylor. Since becoming a Member of Parliament, Mr. Oliver served on the House of Commons Standing Committee on Health and as Chair of the Health Research Caucus.
“I am incredibly honoured to have been appointed as the Parliamentary Secretary to the Minister of Health. Canada’s healthcare system is one of the best in the world, and is built on the fact that Canadians believe in taking care of each other," stated Oliver.
As Parliamentary Secretary, MP Oliver will support the Minister's mandate to:
- Improving access to necessary prescription medications
- Addressing the devastating opioid crisis
- Promotion and defence of the Canada Health Act
Prior to winning the Federal riding of Oakville for the Liberals, Mr John Oliver was and Assistant Deputy Minister for the Ontario Ministry of Health and Long-Term Care. Upon completion of his government position he became President and CEO for:
- Georgetown and District Memorial Hospital
- Oakville-Trafalgar Memorial Hospital
During his 20 plus year tenure he oversaw the amalgamation of Milton District Hospital, Oakville Trafalgar Memorial Hospital and the Georgetown and District Memorial Hospital into Halton Healthcare Services. Finally, Mr. Oliver was a key player in the development and successful completion of the new Oakville Trafalgar Memorial Hospital, a $2.7 billion project.
"The health needs of Canadians are rapidly changing and our system needs to adapt to an aging population and advances in health technology. I look forward to working with the Minister to further our Government’s mandate, and improve the health of all Canadians”, continued MP Oliver.
The prime minister appoints Parliamentary Secretaries to support cabinet ministers with their parliamentary duties. Under Minister's direction Parliamentary Secretaries handle routine matters in the House of Commons, engage in committee work, and assume some extra-parliamentary responsibilities.