The Honourable Dr. Andrew Furey, Premier of Newfoundland and Labrador, and the Honourable Tom Osborne, Minister of Health and Community Services, today expressed their heartfelt condolences to the family and friends of long-time mental health advocate and mental health care provider Dr. Nizar Ladha.

“We are incredibly saddened to hear about the passing of Dr. Nizar Ladha,” said Premier Furey. “His contributions to mental health in Newfoundland and Labrador are immense. He worked tirelessly to bring awareness to the importance of mental health, and was an integral part of the psychiatric team at the Waterford Hospital, as well as Eastern Health, having practiced forensic and general psychiatry since 1974. Over the course of his impressive career, Dr. Ladha also served as a Vice-Chair of the Advisory Council on Mental Health and Addictions for more than a decade. On a personal note, I have been fortunate to know Dr. Ladha and his family over the years and value their friendship.”

“Dr. Ladha heavily informed the review on the mental health and addictions system, which resulted in government’s Towards Recovery Action Plan,” said Minister Osborne. “He was also a committee member for the development of the Mental Health Care and Treatment Act for this province. Through his unwavering dedication to the field of mental health for almost 50 years, he had an immeasurable impact on the medical community. Our condolences are with his colleagues, friends, family and loved ones at this difficult time.”

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Media contacts
Meghan McCabe
Office of the Premier
709-729-3960
meghanmccabe@gov.nl.ca

Laura Thomas
Health and Community Services
709-729-6986, 727-0341
laurathomas@gov.nl.ca