A former New Brunswick health authority president is gearing up for a new challenge.
Dr. John Dornan is one of 31 Liberal MLAs heading to the legislature following Monday’s election.
Dornan was elected to represent the residents in the riding of Saint John Portland-Simonds.
The former head of Horizon Health said he has always had a passion for helping as many people as possible.
“I’ve always liked being able to understand better how things work, where they don’t work, and where we can do better,” Dornan said in an interview with our newsroom.
Dornan was named interim president and CEO of Horizon Health in August 2021 after the retirement of Karen McGrath.
He was appointed to the role permanently in March 2022 but fired just four months later after the death of a man waiting for care in the ER of the Dr. Everett Chalmers Regional Hospital in Fredericton.
Many are speculating that Dornan will be named to the health portfolio given his background in health care and management.
The incoming MLA said that the decision will be up to premier-designate Susan Holt to make.
“At the end of the day, our leader has options. There’s a party that’s 31-strong. Each comes with a skill set. She’ll try to balance those skillsets with what portfolios need,” said Dornan.
“Oftentimes, ministers may not have had experience in a given area and they come up to speed relatively quickly. But if you wanted to use my skill set, it would certainly be health care.”
