Members
- Barry Bertrand – Chair
- Jamie Restoule – Vice-Chair
- Fern Crepeau – Treasurer
- Christopher Wielusiewicz
- Ginette Gagnon
- Kimberley Lachapelle-Palamar
- Renée Ragnitz
- Robert Sutherland
- Yvette Bellefeuille – Nipissing First Nations
- Dr. Ben Lalonde – Chief of Staff
- Dr. Yves Vaillancourt – President of the Professional Staff
- Dawn Morissette – Secretary, President & Chief Executive Officer
- Shelli Fielding Levac – Chief Nursing Executive
- Gail Waghorn – Chief Financial Officer
Message from the chair
The West Nipissing General Hospital is dedicated to providing health care services that are consistent with the needs of our community. It is the Hospital’s mission to commit, in cooperation with our regional partners, to the responsible delivery of exceptional health care by addressing the dynamic challenges of our diverse community.
The West Nipissing General Hospital is first, and foremost, a community resource. A voluntary Board of Directors governs the Hospital on behalf of the community. The Board is responsible for providing strategic leadership to the Hospital by establishing and regularly reviewing the vision, mission and core values. The Board is also responsible for making sure that the Hospital meets the health care needs of the community within the resources that are available to provide services. Our Board members bring a wide range of skills and experience to their leadership role. The Board includes representatives from communities that make up the municipality of West Nipissing.
West Nipissing General Hospital, Chair
Downloads
Corporate and Professional Staff By-Laws 2024
Board Biographies
Barry Bertrand
Board Chair
Born and raised in Sturgeon Falls, Barry Bertrand began his academic journey by studying business at Laurentian University. He later graduated from Georgian College, where he obtained his provincial license as an Optician, along with a Master’s degree in Contact Lens Fitting. After gaining valuable experience outside of Sturgeon Falls, Barry returned to his hometown to establish a wholesale optical laboratory, leveraging his expertise and passion for the field. Dedicated to making a positive impact, Barry is actively involved in volunteering with various local organizations, demonstrating his commitment to giving back to the community.
Jamie Restoule
Vice-Chair
With 13 years of experience in municipal governance, Jamie Restoule brings a wealth of knowledge and leadership to the Board of Directors. Currently serving as the Councillor for Ward 4 in West Nipissing, Jamie also holds the position of Deputy Mayor. In addition to his municipal duties, Jamie works full-time as the Director of Health for the Anishinabek Nation, an organization he has worked for since 1999. Jamie is also an active leader in the health sector, serving as the Chair of the Anishinabek Advisory Council on Health and contributing to three other boards, further demonstrating his commitment to serving his community and advancing health initiatives.
Fernand Crépeau
Treasurer
Now enjoying his retirement, Fernand Crépeau brings a wealth of experience in the field of education. He began his academic journey with a Bachelor of Science degree from Laurentian University before furthering his education at Queen’s University, where he obtained his High School Teaching Certificate. Throughout his career, Fernand remained committed to professional growth, earning several additional certifications from various universities. His career spans from classroom teaching to his final role as an Education Officer with the Ministry of Education. Even in retirement, Fernand continues to serve his community, drawing on his extensive background in education.
Robert Sutherland
Director
Born and raised in Northern Ontario, Robert Sutherland graduated from the University of Waterloo with a degree in Chemical Engineering. He later pursued a Master of Business Administration from the University of Athabasca to further enhance his expertise. Currently, Robert serves as the Vice President of Recycling and Intermediates for Glencore Nickel, where he utilizes his extensive experience in the industry. Having made West Nipissing his home since 2008, Robert is dedicated to supporting and contributing to the growth of his community.
Kimberley Lachapelle-Palamar
Director
Kimberley Lachapelle-Palamar has built a strong foundation in both insurance and business administration, having studied at Mohawk College and furthering her education with night classes at McMaster University, specializing in Legal Contract Law. With over 35 years of experience in the commercial insurance industry, Kimberley brings a wealth of knowledge to her current role at Insurance Hero in Sturgeon Falls. Dedicated to making a positive impact, Kimberley actively volunteers with various organizations, demonstrating her commitment to giving back to the community. As a board director, she is passionate about supporting the organization’s mission to deliver exceptional healthcare and promoting community well-being.
Ginette Gagnon
Director
Born and raised in Sturgeon Falls, Ginette Gagnon brings over 30 years of experience in nursing, management, and education. She began her career as a diploma nurse before earning a Bachelor of Science in Nursing degree. Currently, she is pursuing a Master’s degree to further enhance her expertise in the field. Motivated by a passion for teaching, Ginette has been instructing the Nursing Program at Canadore College since 2018, where she dedicates her time to shaping the next generation of nurses.
Renée Ragnitz
Director
*Biography to come*
Christopher Wielusiewicz
Director
*Biography to come*
Yvette Bellefeuille
Nipissing First Nation Representative
Councillor Yvette Bellefeuille serves as a representative of the Nipissing First Nation on the WNGH Board of Directors. She is highly knowledgeable in the political, economic development, and social service needs of the Nipissing people. In addition to her role as a Councillor, Yvette owns and operates “Supplies for the Soul”, a business focused on supporting her community. Before pursuing her work in business and economic development, Yvette dedicated 15 years of service as a Crisis Intervention Worker at the North Bay Regional Health Centre. Beyond her professional responsibilities, Yvette sits on numerous committees to advocate for Indigenous children with special needs.