Chair of Labrador Grenfell Health board suspended, facing investigation

The head of Labrador-Grenfell Health's board of directors has been suspended and is facing an investigation under the health authority's Respectful Workplace policy.

Health Minister John Haggie directed that Boyd Noel step away from his position on Thursday.

Both Labrador-Grenfell Health and Newfoundland and Labrador's Department of Health confirmed the investigation into Boyd Noel, who was appointed into his position in July 2017.

"Mr. Noel has been directed to abstain from board activities as trustee and chair of the board of trustees," the department wrote in a statement.

A spokesperson for the Health Authority wrote Noel was suspended as a result of "allegations received by the Department of Health and Community Services which were serious enough to warrant an investigation."

"The investigation is a confidential procedure and therefore we will not be making further comment."

Noel declined to comment to CBC News about the investigation.

Noel served multiple terms as mayor of St. Anthony, and according a biography prepared by Labrador-Grenfell Health, worked with the Canadian Coast Guard for almost 40 years.

The Department of Health has named Labrador City Mayor Wayne Button, a chiropractor, the acting chair of the board of trustees.

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