Ontario Announces New Chief Medical Officer of Health
Ontario Announces New Chief Medical Officer of Health
Dr. David Williams Chosen By All-Party Legislative Committee
Dr. David Williams has been appointed as the province's new Chief Medical Officer of Health, effective February 16, 2016.
Since July 1, 2015, Dr. Williams has been Acting Chief Medical Officer of Health. He has worked in the field of public health since 1991 and has held various positions, including Medical Officer of Health for the Thunder Bay District Board of Health, and Associate Chief Medical Officer of Health and Infectious Disease at the Ministry of Health and Long-Term Care. In addition, he was Acting Chief Medical Officer of Health for Ontario from November 2007 to June 2009.
Prior to practising public health, Dr. Williams practised in a hospital-based clinic as a General Practitioner and GP Anaesthetist at the Sioux Lookout Zone Hospital. He also practised International Health at the United Mission to Nepal Mission Hospital, Tansen, Nepal.
Dr. Williams was selected by a special committee of the Legislature, comprising representatives from all three political parties, as specified in the Health Protection and Promotion Act.
QUOTES
" Dr. Williams is well-known and highly respected within the fields of public health, infectious diseases and health promotion. I am very pleased that he has agreed to take on the leadership of Ontario’s public health system, especially as we roll out important initiatives like our Immunization 2020 plan. I would like to thank Dr. Williams for the work he has done to safeguard the health of Ontarians during his many years in public health, most recently as the Acting Chief Medical Officer of Health."
- Dr. Eric Hoskins
Minister of Health and Long-Term Care
" I am very pleased and honoured to be able to take on this critical role of leading the largest public health system in Canada. Ontario’s public health system is seen as a leader on many fronts. And I look forward to building on that proud tradition and continuing to contribute to a system that holds the health and well-being of all Ontarians as its highest priority."
- Dr. David Williams
Chief Medical Officer of Health for Ontario
QUICK FACTS
- The Chief Medical Officer of Health plays a critical role in leading the public health system as a whole – focusing on their legislated role as outlined in the Health Protection and Promotion Act, linking with Public Health Ontario and providing public health advice both within and beyond government.