Alberta鈥檚 loss could turn out to be British Columbia鈥檚 gain.
Dr. Deena Hinshaw, who served as Alberta鈥檚 public health officer from Jan. 2019 until Alberta鈥檚 Premier Danielle Smith fired her in Nov. 2022, will join the office of Provincial Health Officer Dr. Bonnie Henry.
Henry said in a release Wednesday (Feb. 1) Hinshaw will join the office as deputy provincial health officer on a six-month contract.
It is not clear what Hinshaw鈥檚 exact duties will be. The announcement said Hinshaw will support the work of the public health office, while deputy provincial officer Dr. Martin Lavoie is on temporary assignment.
Hinshaw was one of the faces in Canada鈥檚 response to the COVID-19 pandemic, but later faced criticism for relaxing health restrictions in Alberta too soon and being too cozy with the United Conservative government of then-premier Jason Kenny.
Smith, who became Alberta鈥檚 Premier in Oct. 2022, later cited what she called 鈥渂ad decisions鈥� based on 鈥渂ad advice鈥� from Hinshaw in firing her. Others, including medical professionals, have defended Hinshaw鈥檚 record.
RELATED: Alberta鈥檚 top doctor apologizes for causing 鈥榗onfusion, fear or anger鈥� on COVID-19
Hinshaw鈥檚 appointment is part of other personnel changes in Henry鈥檚 office. Dr. Andrew Larder, who previously served as a medical health officer at both Fraser and Interior Health, also joins Henry鈥檚 team on temporary assignment over the next several months.
鈥淚 feel very fortunate to work alongside such talented and dedicated public health experts and I know their expertise will be a great assistance as we emerge from the pandemic and continue to address the many public health challenges facing the province,鈥� Henry said.
Minister of Health Adrian Dix later predicted that Hinshaw won鈥檛 be the last doctor to come from Alberta to British Columbia given the work underway in the province and the respect that public health doctors receive.
鈥淲e are absolutely delighted to have her come to British Columbia and be part and support our public health care system,鈥� Dix said. 鈥淚t鈥檚 not like a sports free-agent signing, but she is outstanding, she is available and she is going to help our team. Like I said, B.C. is calling.鈥�
- With files from The Canadian Press
@wolfgangdepner
wolfgang.depner@blackpress.ca
Like us on Facebook and follow us on Twitter.
