Alberta Health announced Tuesday that Dr. Mark Joffe is no longer the province’s chief medical officer of health, as his contract expired on April 14.
The ministry said the search for a permanent replacement is underway. Joffe, who served in the role on an interim basis since November 2022, was appointed after the dismissal of Dr. Deena Hinshaw by Premier Danielle Smith’s government.
The primary reason for her dismissal was Smith's dissatisfaction with the public health measures implemented during the COVID-19 pandemic under Hinshaw's guidance. Smith criticized Hinshaw and Alberta Health Services for failing to provide optimal advice and care, which she claimed led to a strained hospital system and necessitated stringent measures like vaccine mandates and restrictions, which Smith described as "freedom-busting."
Joffe has had a distinguished career in healthcare, particularly in Alberta, with significant accomplishments in medical leadership, infectious disease prevention, and public health.
Health Minister Adriana LaGrange thanked Joffe for his service, noting his leadership during public health challenges, including an E. coli outbreak in Calgary daycares in 2023.
The province assured there will be no disruption to public health operations while the position remains vacant. Alberta Health said further details on the recruitment process will be shared as they become available.
