Alberta is currently without a chief medical officer of health amid a surge in measles cases across the province. Alberta Health announced that Mark Joffe’s contract expired as of Monday, leaving the position vacant as measles cases continue to rise. Dr. Joffe was appointed by Premier Danielle Smith in November 2022, following the dismissal of Deena Hinshaw, who had guided Alberta through the COVID-19 pandemic.
The provincial government has initiated a search for a permanent replacement for the chief medical officer position. As of Tuesday, Alberta reported 77 cases of measles, an increase from 58 cases on April 11. Dr. Joffe had previously issued a detailed statement regarding the outbreak, with his last communication on the matter occurring when a bulletin was released in March after six measles cases were confirmed in a single household.
Maddison McKee, spokesperson for Health Minister Adriana LaGrange, indicated that an interim Chief Medical Officer of Health would be announced shortly. In the interim, Alberta Health plans to rely on the advice of public health experts and zone medical officers to manage the situation. Nationally, as of March 29, Canada recorded 731 confirmed and probable measles cases across six provinces, with most linked to an outbreak originating in New Brunswick.
While measles was declared eliminated in Canada in 1998, travel-related cases continue to occur. The country has averaged 91 cases annually between 1998 and 2024. Premier Danielle Smith, who rose to power partly due to her stance on vaccine mandates, noted that over 89 percent of children up to age 13 in Alberta are vaccinated against measles. The current outbreaks primarily affect unvaccinated individuals, with 30 of the 35 confirmed cases being unvaccinated as of early April.
The Premier emphasized a targeted response to the outbreaks, delegating leadership to local medical officers of health in affected areas. The United Conservative Party is in the process of redesigning the province’s healthcare system, asserting that public health remains a top priority during these transitions.
The Bottom Line
The absence of a chief medical officer of health in Alberta during a measles outbreak highlights the importance of stable leadership in managing public health crises. For residents, this situation underscores the need for timely communication and effective healthcare strategies to contain the spread of infectious diseases. The rising number of measles cases serves as a reminder of the importance of vaccination in preventing outbreaks, particularly among populations with low immunization rates.
As the province seeks a new chief medical officer, the interim reliance on existing public health officials will be critical in maintaining disease control measures. The focus on a “targeted approach” by local health officers may help to address specific community needs, but the overall effectiveness will depend on clear guidance and sufficient resources. For the wider Canadian context, this situation reinforces the interconnectedness of provincial health strategies and the necessity for cohesive national health policies.
