Simcoe Muskoka’s top doctor takes on new role
Simcoe Muskoka's medical officer of Health (MOH), Dr. Charles Gardner, has been named the Chair of the Council of Ontario Medical Officers of Health, while continuing his role as the region’s top doctor.
Gardner takes over as chair from Dr. Paul Roumeliotis, the Eastern Ontario Health Unit MOH.
"I anticipate there will be many challenges for me in this position, whether they be with the ongoing pandemic, the recovery of the public health system, or with the public enquiries that will come related to the pandemic, but it is a role I wholeheartedly accept," said Gardner.
In April, Anita Dubeau, the Simcoe Muskoka Board of Health chair, praised Gardner's leadership during the pandemic. This resulted in a unanimous vote of confidence.
"Dr. Gardner's concern for his staff and the residents of Simcoe Muskoka and the way in which he has worked with our hospitals, family health teams, municipalities and government agencies is exceptional," said Dubeau.
Over the last year, Gardner has led case and contact management, data collection and surveillance reporting, managing over 200 local outbreaks, developing effective health communication strategies, engaging in local and provincial advocacy, and implementing a regional mass immunization strategy, according to the health unit.
On top of his roles as MOH and now chair of the COMOH, Gardner also serves as a member of the provincial Public Health Measures Table advising the Chief Medical Officer of Health and as a member of the Response Table for the Central Region of Ontario Health.
"As information, regulations, and available resources seem to change on an almost daily basis, the one thing that has remained constant throughout is the dedication and hard work of every member of the SMDHU team, and I am extremely impressed with them," said Gardner.
"I am also very grateful for the unwavering supportive leadership of the Board of Health which is so essential to our ability as employees in our response to the pandemic."
The Council of Ontario Medical Officers of Health describes itself as a not-for-profit section of the Association of Local Health Agencies (alPHa) that provides leadership to boards of Health in the province.
According to Dr. Gardner, he has been an executive member of the COMOH since 2019, serving as Vice Chair.
CTVNews.ca Top Stories
Health minister 'deeply appreciative' of doctors but capital gains changes here to stay
Health Minister Mark Holland says while he is 'deeply appreciative' of the work doctors in Canada do, the federal government has no plans to scrap the proposed capital gains tax changes outlined in the latest budget, despite opposition from the Canadian Medical Association.
Chants of 'shame on you' greet guests arriving for the annual White House correspondents' dinner
An election-year roast of U.S. President Joe Biden before journalists, celebrities and politicians at the annual White House correspondents' dinner Saturday.
Deadly six-vehicle crash on Highway 400 sparked by road rage incident
One person was killed in a six-vehicle crash on Highway 400 in Innisfil Friday evening.
'Of course, yes': Poland latest European country with interest in Canadian LNG
The President of Poland says his country would 'of course' be interested in purchasing Canadian liquefied natural gas if it were available, while the Canadian federal government has said it is 'not interested' in subsidizing future projects.
Passage of harsh anti-2SLGBTQ+ law in Iraq draws diplomatic backlash
Human rights groups and diplomats criticized a law that was quietly passed by the Iraqi parliament over the weekend that would impose heavy prison sentences on gay and transgender people.
Opinion I just don't get Taylor Swift
It's one thing to say you like Taylor Swift and her music, but don't blame CNN's AJ Willingham's when she says she just 'doesn't get' the global phenomenon.
Invasive and toxic hammerhead worms make themselves at home in Ontario
Ontario is now home to an invasive and toxic worm species that can grow up to three feet long and can be dangerous to small animals and pets.
A munitions explosion at a Cambodian army base kills 20 soldiers, but its cause is unclear
Security was tight around a military base in southwestern Cambodia on Sunday, a day after a huge explosion there killed 20 soldiers, wounded others and damaged nearby houses.
What Trudeau's podcast appearances say about the Liberals' next ballot box question
Trudeau recently appeared on four podcasts as he travels the country talking up the Liberals' latest budget, which he's pitching as a plan to inject more economic fairness into society for those under 40 — a cohort that has kept Trudeau in power since 2015 but is increasingly turning to Conservative Leader Pierre Poilievre.