The Chief Public Health Officer is the title of the senior government official on matters related to the health and safety of Canadians. The post is held by a physician who acts as the head of the Public Health Agency of Canada. The first, and current, Chief Public Health Officer is Dr. David Butler-Jones.
The Chief Public Health Officer is responsible for:
- Providing leadership of the Public Health Agency, newly established in 2004.
- Providing advice to Ministers and, as appropriate, work with other federal departments and agencies, provincial/territorial governments, the international community, health practitioners and Canadians on public health issues.
- Assuming the role of the federal government spokesperson on public health issues, in particular, during public health emergencies.
- Taking a leadership/advocacy role in national public health matters and citizen engagement in public health.
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