WAHA CEO presented with Premier’s Award in health sciences
Yesterday evening, Weeneebayko Area Health Authority’s (WAHA) President and CEO, Lynne Innes was awarded with a Premier’s Award in the health sciences category for her work to improve the quality of care and access to it in the western James Bay and Hudson Bay region of Ontario.
These awards recognize college leaders and graduates whose contributions have been vital to the growth of Ontario’s postsecondary education system, industries, services, and communities.
The Premier’s Awards specifically celebrate college graduates who have made significant impacts across seven categories, playing a key role in strengthening Ontario’s economy and local communities.
Presenting the Premier’s Award to Lynne was the Honourable Nolan Quinn, Minister of Colleges and Universities (pictured left), and Maureen Adamson, interim President and CEO, Colleges Ontario.
“I am deeply honored to receive the Premier’s Award in Health Sciences. As a proud college graduate, this recognition highlights the incredible impact that college education can have in shaping careers and improving communities. I’m grateful to be part of a legacy that drives positive change in healthcare and beyond.”
Lynne Innes, President and CEO, WAHA
Also present for the award presentation was Mitch Dumas, President and CEO, Northern College (pictured left with Lynne Innes).
A nursing graduate of Northern College, Lynne is a member of Moose Cree First Nation, and the first Indigenous woman to be the President and Chief Executive Officer of a large health authority in Canada. At WAHA, her commitment to ensuring First Nations communities can access high-quality health care is clear – helping to bring the first CAT scan machine and first portable MRI to the region along with cardiologists and optometrists to provide care. During the COVID-19 pandemic, she organized 200 vaccine clinics in remote Indigenous communities. Lynne also teaches courses to medical professionals in remote areas and is a Board Director for the Ontario Hospital Association.