Fairclough also played a leading role in tackling the area’s pandemic, serving as head of the district hospital. “I believe in helping people and building an inclusive, fair, sustainable and healthy future,” Fairclough said in a statement on Monday. Fairclough said it would be “persistent in its commitment” if elected on June 2 as MPP for Etobicoke-Lakeshore riding. “I know it will be the most important job of my life to represent you at Queen’s Park.” She said people who know her passion for healthcare may not understand why she is seeking public office. Fairclough said it was “very concerned” about the last few years under the Conservative government of Doug Ford, including tackling the pandemic, and felt compelled to take action. “It’s urgent that we move forward to contribute in this new way. “We can not risk another four years like that.” Ontario Liberal Party leader Steven Del Duca wrote on Twitter: Fairclough “is a lifelong resident of Etobicoke and a healthcare leader running to end the Conservative-led privatization agenda under his COID.” Fairclough took over the helm of the hospital in January 2020. Previously, Fairclough was vice president of quality improvement at Health Quality Ontario since 2014 and served as interim head of the newly established Ontario Health service starting in July 2019. She holds a master’s degree from the University of Toronto Institute for Health Policy, Management and Evaluation and trained as a medical radiotherapist, providing cancer care early in her career before moving on to management at Princess Margaret Hospital and the University Health Network. St. Mary’s thanked Fairclough for her “courageous and compassionate” leadership at Kitchener Hospital. “He has done an excellent job helping us navigate COVID-19, embracing our culture of care and deep history of excellence for our patients, families, staff, volunteers and the wider community,” the hospital said in a statement. “He also guided us in the creation of our new strategic plan, highlighting the commitment of St. Mary for safe, high quality, compassionate and fair care. “Equally important, it has inspired a culture where people want to do their best, every day.” The hospital wished her “the best with this exciting and noble next chapter”. Sherry Ferguson, vice president of human resources and culture, has taken over as president, and plans are under way to begin the search for a permanent president. More follow.
