Alberta has appointed a new chief medical officer of health.
Dr. Vivien Suttorp, who has been the lead medical health officer for the province’s South Zone, is to begin her new job Friday.
There have been a number of changes in the position since 2022, when Premier Danielle Smith followed through on an election campaign promise to fire Dr. Deena Hinshaw over frustrations with COVID-19 health measures.
Dr. Mark Joffe filled the role on an interim basis but left earlier this year before his contract expired.
Soon after, Dr. Sunil Sookram was appointed to the job temporarily.
Health Minister Adriana LaGrange says Suttorp had already been overseeing all aspects of public health while supporting workplace health and safety and infection prevention and control in the south.
“I am very pleased to welcome Dr. Suttorp to this vital role and I look forward to her leadership in advancing public health priorities for all Albertans,” said LaGrange in a statement Thursday.
This report by The Canadian Press was first published Dec. 18, 2025.