National

Alberta appoints new chief medical health officer

Darpan News Desk The Canadian Press, 18 Dec, 2025 11:47 AM

Alberta has appointed a new chief medical officer of health.

Dr. Vivien Suttorp, who has been the lead medical health officer for the province's South Zone, is to begin her new job Friday.

There have been a number of changes in the position since 2022, when Premier Danielle Smith followed through on an election campaign promise to fire Dr. Deena Hinshaw over frustrations with COVID-19 health measures.

Dr. Mark Joffe filled the role on an interim basis but left earlier this year before his contract expired.

Soon after, Dr. Sunil Sookram was appointed to the job temporarily.

Health Minister Adriana LaGrange says Suttorp had already been overseeing all aspects of public health while supporting workplace health and safety and infection prevention and control in the south.

"I am very pleased to welcome Dr. Suttorp to this vital role and I look forward to her leadership in advancing public health priorities for all Albertans," said LaGrange in a statement Thursday.

Picture Courtesy: THE CANADIAN PRESS/Jeff McIntosh

Prev Next

MORE National ARTICLES

Rising costs and dwindling opportunities have Canada's youth feeling adrift

Four months, 50 applications, two interviews, no job. The story of 21-year-old political studies graduate Lauren Hood might sound familiar to others in her generation.

Rising costs and dwindling opportunities have Canada's youth feeling adrift

Wet weather continues as heavy rain, wind warnings issued in parts of B.C.

Environment Canada has issued significant rainfall warnings for low-lying parts of southwestern British Columbia, just one day after heavy rain triggered more flood warnings and on top of last week's major inundations in the Fraser Valley.

Wet weather continues as heavy rain, wind warnings issued in parts of B.C.

Surrey, B.C., to open two municipal health clinics in 2026 to address shortage

The mayor of Surrey, B.C., says residents are waiting too long for health care, so the city has begun the process of opening two municipally supported medical clinics.

Surrey, B.C., to open two municipal health clinics in 2026 to address shortage

'Buy Canadian' policy comes into effect, changing rules for federal procurement

The federal government's 'Buy Canadian' policy takes effect today and Ottawa says it will fundamentally change the way it purchases goods and services.

'Buy Canadian' policy comes into effect, changing rules for federal procurement

Canadian English supporters urge Carney to abandon federal shift to British spelling

Promoters of Canadian English say the federal government is sending the wrong message to the world with its recent use of British spelling in official documents.