ADVERTISEMENT

Edmonton

Alberta’s chief medical officer of health went ‘on to other opportunities’: Smith

Published: 

Danielle Smith said during question period on Wednesday that former Chief Medical Officer of Health Dr. Mark Joffe chose to end his contract.

Alberta Premier Danielle Smith said on Wednesday that Alberta’s former Chief Medical Officer of Health Dr. Mark Joffe chose to leave the job.

It was confirmed by the provincial government on Tuesday that Joffe had departed from the post after his contract ended on Monday, but details of how or why were not made clear.

“I know the health minister was hoping that Dr. Mark Joffe would accept an extension of his contract right up until it expired. It expired on April the 14, and he chose to go on to other opportunities,” Smith told the legislative assembly during question period.

“He’s done a great job for us through a number of different crises, whether it was E-coli or giving us advice on the most recent measles outbreak.”

Smith said interviews are currently underway to find an interim chief medical officer of health.

Six more cases of measles were reported in Alberta on Wednesday, bringing the total number of cases for the year to 83.