Release
Department of Health
October 22, 2025
FREDERICTON (GNB) – The government has introduced amendments to the Public Health Act aimed at enhancing the independence of the chief medical officer of health.
"New Brunswickers deserve public health decisions rooted in science, not politics,” said Health Minister John Dornan. “This bill delivers on our promise to put trusted, independent expertise at the heart of how we protect our communities.”
An Act to Amend the Public Health Act, if passed, would have the lieutenant-governor in council become responsible for appointing the chief medical officer of health. The lieutenant-governor in council would also have the authority to remove an appointee from the position, but only for cause.
The proposed amendments would require that government officials giving directions to the Office of the Chief Medical Officer of Health provide those in writing, and the officer would have the discretion to publish those directions in the Royal Gazette. The officer would also be required to present an independent annual report to the legislative assembly on the administration of the Public Health Act.
"We committed to transparency being a priority for our government, and this is one way we are making good on that commitment,” said Dornan. “This measure shows we’re serious about accountability and making sure public health decisions are made in the open."
If passed, the current chief medical officer of health would be deemed to have begun a new seven-year term effective from the date the amendment takes effect.
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Media Contact(s)
Tara Chislett, communications, Department of Health, [email protected].