The Canadian Network of Public Health Associations would like the chief medical health officer have more independence in New Brunswick and operate more like the auditor-general does at arm’s length from government by reporting to the Legislature and not to a particular cabinet minister.
An open letter has been sent by the Public Health Association to the new Health Minister Benoit Bourque with concerns over the reorganisation of the office of the chief medical health officer.
Executive-Director Ian Cuthbert says the firing of Dr. Eilish Cleary caused controversy since it did not involve her performing her job badly and he adds New Brunswick has a chequered history in this regard.
Cuthbert says they’re worried the proposed changes may adversely affect the province’s capacity to meet public health’s direct obligations.
