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.

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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.