Jeanne Besner, RN, M.A, Ph.D(N), is Chair of the Health Council of Canada and Director of the Health Systems and Workforce Research Unit with the Calgary Health Region, where she leads the development of a research agenda that is focused on optimizing the role of nurses and other members of the inter-professional health team in a redesigned health system. She is an Adjunct Assistant Professor with the faculties of nursing at the University of Calgary and the University of Alberta. Dr. Besner received her RN Diploma from St. Joseph’s Hospital School of Nursing in North Bay, Ontario, and her B.Sc Nursing, Master of Health Services Administration and Ph.D in Nursing from the University of Alberta in Edmonton. She was President of the College and Association of Registered Nurses of Alberta from 2003 to 2005. She was also a member of the Board of the Canadian Nurses Association from 2000 to 2005. She was appointed to the Health Council of Canada in December 2003, as one of 13 non-government representatives. In December 2005, she was awarded an Alberta Centennial Medal in recognition of her contributions to the health care system.

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