News Release

Chatham-Kent Health Alliance ends consulting relationship

CHATHAM-KENT, July 7, 2009: Tonight, the Tri-Board Executive Committee and CKHA Administration made the decision to end its relationship with Veritas Communications Inc. The firm was hired in June to develop a community engagement plan regarding the !magine program to redevelop aged facilities in Wallaceburg and Chatham. The community engagement plan was intended to solicit the opinions of diverse voices across Chatham-Kent in local healthcare planning.

In ending the contract, CKHA expressed its opinion that Veritas acted outside of its mandate, and unbeknownst to CKHA, when it contacted MP Shipley’s office, and conducted itself in a manner that was not in keeping with CKHA’s values.

Veritas has apologized to both CKHA and Jeff Wesley.

Media Contacts:

Ken Tremblay,
President and CEO
519-437-6000

Jennifer Wilson
Chair, Tri-Board Executive Committee
519-676-0459