Former N.S. minister who established Emergency Health Services dies at 82
The man credited for establishing the Emergency Health Services in Nova Scotia has died.
Dr. Ronald Stewart, a leading pioneer of emergency medicine in Canada, died after a battle with cancer.
As a physician, the former MLA for Cape Breton North, and minister of Health in Nova Scotia, Stewart championed reform in ambulance and emergency operations.
He was also well known for:
- expanding home care services in Nova Scotia
- establishing paramedicine as a research area
- introducing stronger tobacco control
His model improved the system and was adopted by other provinces.
In his later years, Stewart was professor emeritus in the Department of Emergency Medicine at Dalhousie University. In 2017, he pledged $1.3 million to the Dalhousie Medical Research Foundation in support of emergency health services research.
Earlier this year, Stewart was made a "Companion of the Order of Canada" – the most senior level of the honour. He was only the seventh Nova Scotian to ever achieve this honour and was also a recipient of the Order of Nova Scotia.
The promotion to "Companion" recognizes his many years of sustained contributions to the field of emergency services, medical humanities, and to the health-care system and community at large.
Stewart also had many other honours to his name, including:
- Hero of Emergency Medicine from the American College of Emergency Physicians
- a Distinguished Service Award from the Canadian Healthcare Association
A statement from Nova Scotia Premier Tim Houston said Stewart was the proud son of Nova Scotia who changed the lives of thousands of people for the better, adding that with his death comes the loss of a "true gentleman."
"His courtly manners, coupled with a brilliant mind and a dogged determination to help people, made him unstoppable," said Houston in the statement.
"Dr. Stewart lived an incredible life filled with achievements. Yet he remained humble and kind and gracious right until the very end. My most sincere condolences go out to the people who loved Dr. Stewart and who will miss him dearly."
Stewart, who was from Cape Breton, was 82 years old.
For more Nova Scotia news visit our dedicated provincial page.
CTVNews.ca Top Stories
Halifax police confirm body of Walmart employee was found in walk-in oven
Police have confirmed the body of an employee who died at a Walmart in Halifax over the weekend was found in a walk-in oven.
Former Conservative leader says Trudeau 'should move on' amid efforts to oust him
Former Conservative leader Erin O'Toole says Prime Minister Justin Trudeau 'should move on,' as he faces growing inner-caucus turmoil.
'We all got through it': Canadian family stuck in Cuba recalls ordeal amid massive blackout
Ellen Francis says she and her family were having a great time at one of Cuba's famously stunning beaches and exploring the popular tourist town of Varadero when the situation turned into something like a scary movie.
Man charged after attempting to force his way into the House of Commons: police
On the tenth anniversary of the shooting on Parliament Hill, a man was arrested and charged with trespassing as he attempted to push past security guards into the House of Commons.
Butter shoplifters strike again! Two more large-scale thefts reported in Guelph, Ont.
At least seven large-scale butter thefts have been reported in Guelph, Ont. over a 10-month period, including two hauls in just the last month.
Are Listeria recalls on the rise or are we just hearing more about them?
Consumers in Canada are being told to check their freezers after hundreds of frozen waffle products were recalled for fears of a possible Listeria contamination. The voluntary recall was just the latest in a string of listeria-related recalls in North America.
Minister suspends licences of 11 teachers at Montreal's Bedford school after allegations of mistreatment
Quebec Premier Francois Legault promised on Tuesday to toughen secularism measures in schools, saying he was 'shocked' by revelations about a Montreal public school where a group of teachers had tried to introduce what the premier described as 'Islamist' beliefs.
PM Trudeau doesn't think his leadership is in danger, as ministers voice confidence in him a day before key Liberal meeting
Prime Minister Justin Trudeau says he doesn't think his leadership is in danger, one day before a highly anticipated Liberal caucus meeting where his future at the helm of the Liberal party is expected to be up for discussion.
Hoard of 1,000-year-old coins unearthed in a farmer's field sells for US$5.6 million
Adam Staples knew he'd found something when his metal detector let out a beep. And then another. And another.