Vancouver, B.C. September 15 2008. The Canadian Committee on Antibiotic Resistance (CCAR) is pleased to announce the appointment of Margaret Litt as Executive Director effective September 1, 2008.

Margaret was our number one unanimous choice and we are delighted she has joined us. Her wealth of experience and proven track record in many endeavours related to CCARs sphere bode very well for our continued success.

Margaret Litt has a Bachelors of Science degree in Nursing and a Masters of Community Health and Epidemiology and is also a graduate of the Canadian Field Epidemiology Training program. Margaret has over 20 years experience in healthcare and has spent the last 8 years developing and strengthening collaborative partnerships; negotiating joint agreements; authoring key policy and reference documents; and facilitating meetings with provincial/territorial/ international governments and stakeholders. She has managed multidisciplinary teams of experts in health, information, and business management and is skilled at project management and evaluation. Margaret has written, presented and published scientific papers relating to the epidemiology of diseases; the evaluation of programs; and the development and implementation of collaborative networks. She has also been technical advisor and/or provided other forms of assistance for UNAIDS and national emergency preparedness and response activities.

In welcoming Ms.Litt, the CCAR board and the Government of Canada expressed great appreciation for the work of her predecessor, Jane McIvor. Janes energy and superb organizational skills will be difficult to replace. Her communications background has elevated CCARs abilities in this area immensely and we wish her all success in future endeavors.

CCAR advocates for, facilitates and promotes programs related to surveillance, optimal antimicrobial use and infection prevention and control to limit antimicrobial resistance. CCAR was incorporated under the Canada Incorporations Act on June 28, 2004. Membership is made up of public sector and not-for-profit private sector organizations.