CITYnews halifax: Nova Scotia’s top doctor to retire after three decades of public service

CITYnews halifax / By Mark Hodgins

Nova Scotia’s chief medical officer of health is retiring.

Dr. Robert Strang will retire effective December 2026, according to the premier’s office.

“Throughout his nearly three decades in the public service, Nova Scotians have experienced Dr. Strang’s caring, compassion and sense of community and his unwavering commitment to protecting the public’s health,” said Premier Tim Houston. “I’m sure I speak for many when I say we greatly appreciate everything he’s done, especially his guidance and leadership during the COVID-19 pandemic, and I thank him for his outstanding service.”

Strang became a household name in Nova Scotia during the COVID-19 pandemic, appearing for near-daily public briefings alongside Premiers Stephen McNeil and Iain Rankin, and was awarded the Lieutenant-Governor’s Award for Excellence in Public Administration in 2020 for his work.

Strang started his career in Nova Scotia in 1999 as a medical officer for the former Capital District Health Authority.

He took on the role of acting deputy chief medical officer of health in 2007 and became chief medical officer later that year.

The province says the search for a new top doctor will begin “soon.”