The province’s Liberal party is working to allow our top doctor to act independently of government.
Today, leader Iain Rankin introduced an amendment to the Health Protection Act that would remove the Health Minister’s power to appoint and give direction to the Chief Medical Officer of Health.
Instead, after approval by a majority vote in the House of Assembly, the Governor in Council would appoint a physician to the position.
This would make the Chief Medical Officer an officer of the House of Assembly.
The Liberals also propose a term limit of 10 years with the option to re-appoint.
It comes as the Liberals criticize the Houston governments current response to COVID-19.