TORONTO, Jan. 22, 2018 /CNW/ - With great sadness, the Board of Trustees of NorthWest Healthcare Properties REIT announced today the passing of NorthWest's Lead Independent Trustee, Dr. Martin Barkin.

Dr. Barkin has been NorthWest's Lead Independent Trustee since 2015 and Chair of its Compensation, Governance and Nominating Committee since the REIT went public in 2010.

Through his long and distinguished professional career, Dr. Barkin was a professor in the Faculty of Medicine at the University of Toronto, CEO of Sunnybrook Health Sciences Centre and served as Deputy Minister of Health, Ontario.

Paul Dalla Lana, Chair of the Board and Chief Executive Officer of the REIT, said:

"NorthWest, its Board of Trustees, executives and employees are deeply saddened by the passing of our friend, mentor and supporter. He was a legendary figure in Canadian healthcare, and renowned as a clinical, academic and hospital leader. Dr. Barkin was also one of the few individuals who transitioned from the highest levels of government administration to a pioneering career as private sector CEO, board chair, and director of several healthcare start-ups.  We count ourselves very fortunate that Dr. Barkin brought his varied skills, wide experience and entrepreneurial spirit to NorthWest, helping us to grow and improve over the past 8 years.

On behalf of everyone at NorthWest, we extend our condolences to his wife Carol and his family and friends. We will miss him greatly."

SOURCE NorthWest Healthcare Properties Real Estate Investment Trust

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