November 12, 2014
I am writing to respond to the story entitled "Ottawa to cut powers of the nation's top doctor," as it lacked important context and information about my role as Chief Public Health Officer of Canada.
The amendments to the Act will refocus my role exclusively on the public health needs of Canadians, and create a President of the Public Health Agency to oversee the Agency's day-to-day management.
This will allow my position to gain greater control of the public health agenda, focussing on moving Canada forward on public health issues, providing excellent advice, collaborating with all partners, and interacting with multiple key players including the Canadian public.
Meanwhile, a dedicated Agency President, as Deputy Head, will provide focussed, strategic management and corporate leadership for a world-leading, vibrant and strong organization.
As an MD in a private, small-city practice, I witnessed first-hand the challenges of holding two jobs - on one side, helping patients improve their health, while, in essence, managing a business on the other.
The President will assume some of the management responsibilities currently assigned to the CPHO, including accountabilities for finance, audit, evaluation, staffing, official languages, and access to information and privacy.
These are all important functions, requiring the dedicated attention of a senior leader.
But relieving my position of those functions effectively enhances the Chief Public Health Officer's role, which I am confident will better meet the needs of Canada's public health agenda.
It's a structure that works well for many provinces and territories, and for countries including the United Kingdom and Australia.
The changes to the Act within Bill C-43 will ensure we have the right people in the right positions, focussed on the right tasks - to protect and promote the health of Canadians.
Dr. Gregory Taylor
Chief Public Health Officer of Canada
Public Health Agency of Canada
-30-
