Latest news with #InteriorHealthAuthority
Global News
04-06-2025
- Health
- Global News
Parole granted for former health official in B.C. and Alberta who sexually assaulted boy
The former chief medical health officer for British Columbia's Interior Health Authority has been granted full parole from a sentence for sexually assaulting a boy. Albert de Villiers served less than two years of a 5-1/2-year prison sentence after being convicted in 2023 of sexual interference of the boy in Grand Prairie, Alta. The Parole Board of Canada says in a decision issued in April that de Villiers repeatedly sexually touched the young male between 2018 and 2021, sharing pornographic videos to 'groom' the victim. The board's ruling says de Villiers was granted day parole in October last year, and has since begun rebuilding his relationship with his wife and sons, working with his wife's online business, the name of which is redacted from the decision. The board says de Villiers, a top public health official in northern Alberta before his move to B.C. in 2020, has a supportive network of family, friends and 'faith community,' which included continuing sessions with his rabbi. Story continues below advertisement The decision says de Villiers had no issues while behind bars, and assessments determined him a very low risk to reoffend. 1:27 Former IH top doctor convicted of sexual assault His parole conditions prohibit him from accessing pornographic materials, and from being in locations where people under 16 are likely to be. Get breaking National news For news impacting Canada and around the world, sign up for breaking news alerts delivered directly to you when they happen. Sign up for breaking National newsletter Sign Up By providing your email address, you have read and agree to Global News' Terms and Conditions and Privacy Policy The board ruled that de Villiers caused 'serious harm' to the victim. 'The impacts on the victim and your betrayal of trust and authority on him and his family cannot be overstated,' the decision says. 'With that said, you have no prior criminal history and have otherwise lived a pro-social life with positive family and a good reputation in the community.' The board's ruling says de Villiers had no criminal history before his 2021 arrest, but he faced a separate charge of sexual assault in February 2023 that was later stayed and he was placed under a peace bond. Story continues below advertisement Parole board decisions are not posted publicly at the time they are issued. The ruling was provided to The Canadian Press upon request.
Global News
25-04-2025
- Health
- Global News
Interior Health Authority CEO Susan Brown announces retirement in 2025
Big changes are on the horizon for Interior Health Authority (IHA) as long-serving CEO Susan Brown announces she will retire by the end of 2025. After 14 years with the organization, including seven at the helm, Brown's departure marks the beginning of a critical transition for health care in the region. Paul Adams from the BC Rural Health Network says Brown's leadership has had a lasting impact. 'She's certainly provided a lot to communities both internationally and here in B.C.,' he said. Brown's time with Interior Health was marked by major milestones, including the opening of British Columbia's first urgent and primary care centre in Kamloops in 2018. Since then, 10 more have opened under her leadership. She also oversaw the addition of specialized cardiac and stroke services at Kelowna General Hospital, the approval of the Kamloops Cancer Centre, and the co-creation of the Centre for Health System Learning & Innovation, all aimed at bringing care closer to home and supporting future innovation. Story continues below advertisement B.C. Health Minister Josie Osborne expressed her appreciation, noting that Brown's decades of service — from working as a nurse in Vancouver General Hospital's emergency department to leading a major health authority — have left a deep legacy across the province. Get daily National news Get the day's top news, political, economic, and current affairs headlines, delivered to your inbox once a day. Sign up for daily National newsletter Sign Up By providing your email address, you have read and agree to Global News' Terms and Conditions and Privacy Policy But even with her accomplishments, Brown's retirement comes at a time of growing concern. Adams says while the pandemic is behind us, health care in the Interior is still on shaky ground. Brown's leaving comes at a time when Interior health care teeters on the edge, with ER closures in rural communities just one sign of strain. 'We see closures throughout the province, so we're not alone in that regard,' Adams said. 'But the situation in the Interior continues and will likely get worse. We need to do better at recruitment and retention of health care professionals in rural communities.' The challenges don't stop there. Adams highlights ongoing struggles in both primary and specialty care, and believes a change in leadership could open the door to a new, more community-driven approach. 'We need to build teams of care. We need to attach people to places of care. That work is needed — and we need a change in the model,' he said. 'Hopefully, new leadership will lead to new engagement with communities that truly reflects their needs.' Story continues below advertisement Osborne says the issues surrounding rural care will continue to be tackled under new leadership. 'Equitable access is very important to our government, they're important to me, so we are doing what we can to support people in rural communities to have better access to healthcare,' said Osborne. Susan Brown will continue to serve as CEO until the end of next year, giving the Board of Directors time to begin the search for her successor.
