Ottawa, ON — Dr. Theresa Tam, Canada’s Chief Public Health Officer and one of the most prominent national figures during the COVID-19 pandemic, will officially step down from her role at the end of next week, concluding a pivotal chapter in Canadian public health leadership.Dr. Tam’s final day in office will be Friday, June 20, marking the end of her seven-year tenure. First appointed in June 2017, she became a household name through her steady presence during the COVID-19 crisis, providing regular updates and helping shape the country’s response as Canadians navigated lockdowns, vaccine rollouts, and shifting health guidance.In a public statement, Tam said she has not yet lined up a new professional role and intends to take a break before considering her next steps.
She emphasized her desire to spend more time with her family and return to personal pursuits that have taken a backseat in recent years, including playing music and training for long-distance runs.“As I close this chapter, I look forward to taking a moment to reflect, recharge, and explore where I can continue to make a meaningful contribution,” she said.Tam is a pediatric infectious disease physician by training and has been involved in public health for over two decades. She joined Canada’s federal public health team around 1998, just as the country celebrated the elimination of measles. Over the years, she played a key role in shaping Canada’s response to numerous public health threats, including SARS, H1N1, Ebola, and most notably, COVID-19. While her leadership during the pandemic earned her respect from many for her calm demeanor and scientific rigor, it also drew criticism from some quarters, particularly during periods of public confusion and frustration around lockdowns, mask mandates, and vaccine distribution.
Federal Health Minister Mark Holland praised Tam’s service in a statement Friday, calling her “a steady and compassionate voice” during an unprecedented global health crisis.“Dr. Tam has been a cornerstone of Canada’s pandemic response and a tireless advocate for evidence-based public health,” said Holland. “Her leadership has left a lasting impact on the country.”The process to appoint her successor is expected to begin immediately. In the meantime, the Public Health Agency of Canada will continue its operations under interim leadership.Dr. Tam’s departure comes at a time when public health systems across the globe are reassessing their strategies in light of the lessons learned from the COVID-19 pandemic. Her legacy will likely be measured not only by the decisions she made during those high-stakes years, but also by the public health infrastructure and trust built—or tested—under her watch.
