Dr James Young named commissioner of emergency management

Toronto, ON – May 3, 2004 – Dr James Young has been named to the newly created post of Commissioner of Emergency Management. In his new role, Dr Young will report directly to the Minister of Community Safety and Correctional Services on all policy and program matters related to emergency management in the Ontario government. In addition, he will:

Among other things, he will oversee the province’s emergency planning and preparedness and monitor ongoing emergency situations, such as the current avian influenza outbreak in Asia and North America. He will also work with the federal government on the co-location of an emergency management centre in Ontario, and assist in the review of relevant emergency-related legislation.

“Ontario has faced a number of challenges over the last few years,” says Dr Young. “My job will entail working with the provincial government and across all other levels of government to ensure we are prepared for all possible emergencies, however caused.”

Dr Young studied medicine at the University of Toronto before joining the university as an – associate professor in the department of laboratory medicine and pathobiology. He later moved to his present position with the university as associate professor in forensic sciences. He also worked as coroner in Simcoe County and Toronto before being named to chief coroner for the province. He has also served as commissioner of public safety and security for the province of Ontario.