Ontario will likely soon have a new top health official.
On Sunday morning, the province confirmed reports that the Ontario government will begin the process of replacing Dr. David Williams with Dr. Kieran Moore as the province’s next Chief Medical Officer of Health.
On Monday, the provincial government will table a motion in the Legislature to formalize the change. If the motion is passed, Moore would assume office effective June 26.
According to a media release by the province, Moore will work alongside Williams for a few weeks, starting on June 7, to ensure a smooth transition.
"Should this motion pass, Dr. Moore has agreed to take on this important role at a critical juncture in our fight against COVID-19," said Minister of Health Christine Elliott. "As we continue to vaccinate more Ontarians and embark on our Roadmap to Reopen in the coming weeks, Dr. Moore’s years of experience working in public health will be crucial as we begin to gradually lift public health measures."
Moore has served as the Medical Officer of Health for Kingston, Frontenac and Lennox & Addington Public Health since July 2017.
Dr. Kieran Moore (Via Kingston Health Sciences Centre)
“Being considered for the role of Ontario’s Chief Medical Officer of Health is a great honour and one that I do not take lightly,” said Moore. “If appointed as the province’s next Chief Medical Officer of Health, I would remain steadfast in my commitment to fight COVID-19 and I would provide all necessary advice to the government to ensure the health and safety of all Ontarians.”
Williams has been the Chief Medical Officer of Health for Ontario since February 2016.
He had previously postponed his retirement to continue guiding the province through the pandemic and in November 2020 was reappointed as Ontario’s Chief Medical Officer of Health from February 16 up until September 1, 2021.
“I would like to thank Dr. Williams for his dedication to safeguarding the health and safety of Ontarians during his many years of service," Elliot said. "We are incredibly grateful for his experienced leadership at the helm of the province’s pandemic response to protect our communities from COVID-19 and its devastating impacts.”