Perry departs Kawartha Family Health Team for role with Métis Nation of Ontario

Mike Perry, long-time executive director of the Kawartha Lakes Family Health Team, will leave the organization in the coming weeks to take on a new opportunity with the Métis Nation of Ontario.

The new position is as “Lead – Government Law and Constitution with the Métis Nation of Ontario,” says Perry.

The Métis Nation recently concluded an historic self-government agreement with Canada in 2019 which set a new government-to-government relationship between Canada and Ontario’s Métis. There is now recognition that Métis Nation of Ontario-recognized communities have the right of self-government.

Dr. Peter Anderson, president of the Kawartha Lakes Family Health Team wished Perry well, saying they are “grateful for the expertise that Mike has brought to his position” over the past 10 years.

“The medical community and local health care have benefited greatly from his guidance, energy, and skills. We wish him all the very best.”

Perry called it a “rare honour” to be able to help increase health care in the area with the family health team.

“I have worked with — and learned from — so many extraordinary professionals and community members over the past decade,” Perry told the Advocate.

During Perry’s tenure as executive director nurse practitioners were brought to smaller communities like Omemee, Woodville, Bobcaygeon, and Fenelon Falls and new family doctors were also recruited here. A health clinic was opened in Little Britain and a new team of mental health workers were established in the city. There was also enhanced care for transgender patients and a push for “same or next day” appointments for patients.

The team was also local “employer of the year” twice, built a health care hub in Lindsay, and won awards for accessibility and house calls.

As for the new position, Perry said he was looking forward to the new challenge.

“I am very excited about this new opportunity to serve and return to legal work and build again — especially being Métis myself.”

Perry will continue to reside in Lindsay and says he will be as active as ever in the local community including volunteering to help with COVID vaccinations.