Canadian Public Health Association welcomes re-appointment of Dr. Theresa Tam as the Chief Public Health Officer of Canada

The Canadian Public Health Association (CPHA) welcomes the re-appointment of Dr. Theresa Tam as the Chief Public Health Officer of Canada for an additional three-year term.

“Dr. Tam has provided essential public health leadership throughout the global COVID-19 pandemic that is not yet over,” said Ian Culbert, CPHA’s Executive Director. “As the country continues to deal with COVID-19 and the possibility of a surge of multiple respiratory viruses this Autumn, continuity in leadership will prove essential.”

Canada faces a number of concurrent public health crises: COVID-19, climate change, Monkeypox, racism, and persistent health inequities, to name just a few. Dr. Tam has provided consistent leadership at the federal level and her extensive experience remains crucial during these challenging times.

“Given the personal strain of the position, we are grateful that Dr. Tam was willing to remain in her post,” said Culbert. “This will provide her the opportunity to see the nation through the current crises and begin the process of transforming Canada’s public health systems.”

The Chief Public Health Officer’s Report on the State of Public Health in Canada 2021 examines the role of public health in Canada and the impacts of COVID-19 on our public health system. It also outlines a vision for a stronger and better equipped system for us all.