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N.S. Top Doctor Retires After Decades of Service
25 Jun
Summary
- Dr. Robert Strang will retire at the end of 2026.
- He served as Nova Scotia's chief medical officer since 2007.
- Strang led health responses to numerous emergencies, including COVID-19.
Dr. Robert Strang is set to retire at the close of 2026, concluding his long-standing service as Nova Scotia's chief medical officer of health. He has been an integral part of the province's healthcare system since 1999 and held his top position since 2007, working across five different administrations.
During his tenure, Dr. Strang was at the forefront of the provincial response to numerous public health emergencies. This included outbreaks of mumps in 2007, the H1N1 pandemic in 2009, and notably, the COVID-19 pandemic starting in 2020. His visibility during the pandemic, alongside former premier Stephen McNeil, made him a household name as he provided regular updates on public health measures and vaccination efforts.
In recognition of his significant contributions, Dr. Strang received the Lieutenant-Governor's Award for Excellence in Public Administration in December 2020. Despite his dedicated service, he and his family experienced harassment during the pandemic, including protesters targeting his home. Two individuals were charged in 2022 with criminal harassment and related offenses, though the charges were later dismissed in 2024 due to trial delays. Strang has expressed concerns that such harassment could deter future public health professionals.
As Dr. Strang approaches his retirement, the Department of Health and Wellness is preparing to initiate the search for a new chief medical officer of health. His recent work included urging Nova Scotians to get vaccinated against measles amid rising cases in Western Canada.
