Ontario to move to replace chief medical officer of health

Ontario’s government is set to table a motion that would replace the province’s top public health doctor.

Health Minister Christine Elliott says the province is moving to replace Dr. David Williams with Dr. Kieran Moore.

Moore currently serves as the top doctor at the Kingston-area public health unit, and is expected to take over as Ontario’s chief medical officer of health on June 26.

Williams had been slated to retire in September, but his last day has been pushed up by several months.

Elliott says Moore will start working with Williams on June 7 to ensure a smooth transition.

While the province praised Williams’ leadership during the pandemic, critics have taken aim at his communication style and questioned his ability to stand up to Premier Doug Ford.

Williams issued a statement saying it has been an honour to serve in the role and thanked Ontarians for their resilience during the pandemic and for the support they have shown him.