AlbertaB次元官网网址檚 loss could turn out to be British ColumbiaB次元官网网址檚 gain.

Dr. Deena Hinshaw, who served as AlbertaB次元官网网址檚 public health officer from Jan. 2019 until AlbertaB次元官网网址檚 Premier Danielle Smith fired her in Nov. 2022, will join the office of Provincial Health Officer Dr. Bonnie Henry.

Henry said in a release Wednesday (Feb. 1) Hinshaw will join the office as deputy provincial health officer on a six-month contract.

It is not clear what HinshawB次元官网网址檚 exact duties will be. The announcement said Hinshaw will support the work of the public health office, while deputy provincial officer Dr. Martin Lavoie is on temporary assignment.

Hinshaw was one of the faces in CanadaB次元官网网址檚 response to the COVID-19 pandemic, but later faced criticism for relaxing health restrictions in Alberta too soon and being too cozy with the United Conservative government of then-premier Jason Kenny.

Smith, who became AlbertaB次元官网网址檚 Premier in Oct. 2022, later cited what she called B次元官网网址渂ad decisionsB次元官网网址� based on B次元官网网址渂ad adviceB次元官网网址� from Hinshaw in firing her. Others, including medical professionals, have defended HinshawB次元官网网址檚 record.

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HinshawB次元官网网址檚 appointment is part of other personnel changes in HenryB次元官网网址檚 office. Dr. Andrew Larder, who previously served as a medical health officer at both Fraser and Interior Health, also joins HenryB次元官网网址檚 team on temporary assignment over the next several months.

B次元官网网址淚 feel very fortunate to work alongside such talented and dedicated public health experts and I know their expertise will be a great assistance as we emerge from the pandemic and continue to address the many public health challenges facing the province,B次元官网网址� Henry said.

Minister of Health Adrian Dix later predicted that Hinshaw wonB次元官网网址檛 be the last doctor to come from Alberta to British Columbia given the work underway in the province and the respect that public health doctors receive.

B次元官网网址淲e are absolutely delighted to have her come to British Columbia and be part and support our public health care system,B次元官网网址� Dix said. B次元官网网址淚tB次元官网网址檚 not like a sports free-agent signing, but she is outstanding, she is available and she is going to help our team. Like I said, B.C. is calling.B次元官网网址�

- With files from The Canadian Press

wolfgang.depner@blackpress.ca
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