Chief Public Health Officer, Public Health Agency of Canada

Established in 2004 as the Government of Canada’s central point for public health leadership, the Public Health Agency of Canada is focussed on improving health, well-being and equity for all people and communities in Canada. The Public Health Agency of Canada addresses the full continuum of public health functions and plays an integral role in protecting the health of Canadians. In partnership with provincial and territorial public health authorities, the Public Health Agency of Canada s activities focus on health protection and promotion; population health assessment; health surveillance; injury and disease prevention; and, preparing for and responding to public health emergencies. Collaboration across governments, partners and civil society is essential to achieving progress on public health priorities for people in Canada. As an organization that values scientific excellence, the Public Health Agency of Canada works with domestic and international partners to support scientific advancement, share best practices and create the conditions for healthy people in Canada and abroad in a healthier world.

As the federal government’s lead public health professional, the Chief Public Health Officer plays a key leadership role in the achievement of the Public Health Agency of Canada’s mandate and Canada’s ability to effectively plan and respond to public health threats, outbreaks and emergencies. The Chief Public Health Officer advises the Minister of Health, the Minister of Mental Health and Addictions and the President of the Public Health Agency of Canada on health issues. They work with other governments, jurisdictions, agencies, organizations, and countries on health matters, and contribute to long-term cooperative efforts to improve global health and health risk reduction. This includes horizontal collaboration to address social determinants of health and health inequalities. They act as the primary spokesperson on public health related matters for the Government of Canada and provides the Minister of Health with an independent report on the state of public health in Canada on an annual basis.

Further details about the organization and its activities can be found on the Public Health Agency of Canada's website.

Diversity and Official Languages

We are committed to providing a healthy and accessible workplace that supports one’s dignity, self-esteem and the ability to work on one’s full potential. With this in mind, all appointees will be expected to take steps to promote and maintain a healthy, respectful, inclusive and harassment-free work environment.

Preference may be given to applicants who are members of one or more of the following groups: women, Indigenous peoples, persons with disabilities, and members of a visible minority group.

The Government of Canada will consider bilingual proficiency and diversity in assessing applicants. You are therefore encouraged to include in your online profile your ability to speak and understand your second official language.

Education and Experience

• Degree from a recognized school of medicine;


• Licenced to practice medicine in a province or territory of Canada;


• Certification in a medical specialty recognized by a statutory licensing body in Canada would be considered an asset;


• Postgraduate training and experience in public health and preventative medicine, infectious diseases or other relevant field would be considered an asset;


• Demonstrated experience in providing strategic advice to senior officials on complex medical, scientific and / or health issues;


• Experience making evidence-based decisions on complex and sensitive health or public health issues;


• Experience in building and maintaining collaborative and multipartite relationships with national and international stakeholders, such as all levels of government, public sector institutions, global health partners, academia and non-government organizations;


• Experience as an official level spokesperson on public health issues, particularly emergencies, would be considered an asset;


• Experience in developing and coordinating government policies, programs and services in the area of public health would be considered an asset; and


• Experience in developing and implementing comprehensive strategies for disease prevention and control would be considered an asset.

Knowledge, Skills and Abilities

• Knowledge of the mandate and activities of the Public Health Agency of Canada as well as the legislative framework within which it operates;


• Knowledge of government and public policy environments, processes and best practices;


• Knowledge of the respective roles of federal, provincial, territorial and municipal governments in the broader health eco-system;


• Knowledge of the principles and practices of public health and of the social and health care fields;


• Knowledge of the breadth and depth of public health issues within Canada and internationally;


• Superior communication skills, both written and oral;


• Proven ability to build and maintain effective relationships and partnerships, including with the broader public health, research and academic communities;


• Ability to identify, analyze and define priorities and strategies and deal with complex and sensitive issues;


• Ability to provide advice to Ministers and, as appropriate, work with other federal departments and agencies, provincial/territorial governments, the international community, health practitioners and Canadians on public health issues; and


• Ability to translate and clearly articulate complex health, public health, scientific or medicine issues to policy-makers, the public, public health authorities, organizations in the public health field within Canada and abroad, voluntary organizations in the public health field and / or the private sector.

Language Requirements

Proficiency in both official languages would be preferred.

• High ethical standards and integrity


• Superior interpersonal skills


• Tact and diplomacy


• Calm under pressure


• Sound judgement

Eligibility Factors and Conditions of Employment

• Appointees must comply with the Ethical and Political Activity Guidelines for Public Office Holders throughout their appointment as a term and condition of employment. The guidelines are available on the Governor in Council Appointments website under the Forms and reference material.


• All appointees are subject to the Conflict of Interest Act. Public office holders appointed on a full-time basis must also submit to the Office of the Conflict of Interest and Ethics within 60 days of appointment, a confidential report in which they disclose all of their assets, liabilities and outside activities. For more information, please visit the Office of the Conflict of Interest and Ethics Commissioner's website.


• Appointees must uphold the highest standards of probity and are expected to demonstrate behaviours in the workplace that afford respect, equality and dignity, to everyone they interact with at work at all times. The Values and Ethics Code for the Public Sector outlines the values and expected behaviours for public servants, including valuing diversity and creating workplaces free from harassment and discrimination. Governor in Council appointees are expected to uphold and respect these values and principles in a positive and active manner.


• The Public Health Agency Act requires that the appointee be a health professional who has qualifications in the field of public health (statutory).


• The appointee must provide proof of education from a recognized school of medicine. Candidates with foreign credentials must provide proof of Canadian equivalency. Consult the Canadian Information Centre for International Credentials for further information.


• The appointee must reside in or be willing to relocate to the National Capital Region, or to a location within a reasonable commuting distance.


• The appointee must be willing to travel across Canada and internationally at short notice.


• The appointee must be able to obtain and maintain a Top Secret security clearance.

A link to this notice will be placed in the Canada Gazette to assist the Governor in Council in identifying qualified candidates. It is not, however, intended to be the sole means of recruitment.

A list of qualified candidates may be established and may be used for similar opportunities.

How to Apply

Review of applications (more information available here) will begin on January 13, 2025. Candidates should apply online via the Governor in Council Appointments website. Candidates are strongly encouraged to submit their applications by this date. After this date, your application will be retained and may be considered up until an appointment to the position is made. Your cover letter should be addressed to the Director of Selection Processes, Senior Personnel Secretariat, Privy Council Office, and should be sent only through the online application.

Instructions on how to apply for an appointment opportunity can be found on the Governor in Council Appointments website.