OFFICE OF THE LIEUTENANT GOVERNOR OF ONTARIO

MEDIA ADVISORY

For immediate release

2 June 2008

STATEMENT FROM THE HONOURABLE DAVID C. ONLEY

LIEUTENANT GOVERNOR OF ONTARIO

ON THE DEATH OF DR. SHEELA BASRUR

I was immensely saddened to learn of the death of Dr Sheela Basrur, whom I had the privilege of investing into the Order of Ontario in a private ceremony on April 10, 2008.

Although she had a distinguished career in public health, before and after her appointment as Medical Officer of Toronto, most of us became familiar with Dr Basrur during the 2003 SARS crisis in the City of Toronto. She was the person to whom we all turned for reassurance, and she comforted us by providing clear, accessible information. Her warmth and humanity, coupled with a consummate professionalism, gave us a beacon of hope in a desperate time.

Dr Basrur’s premature death, from a rare form of cancer, has deprived Ontario of a rare medical talent, and all who knew her of a warm, vibrant friend. I send my deepest sympathy to Dr Basrur’s daughter, Simone Koves, and to her parents, Basnath and Parvathi Basrur.

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Contact:

Nanda Casucci-Byrne

Office of the Lieutenant Governor

416.909.7552