Ottawa health appoints Interim Medical Officer following Etches resignation

Ottawa Board of Health has approved the appointment of a new Interim Medical Officer of Health, Dr. Trevor Arnason, at a special meeting on Monday evening.

This is following Dr. Vera Etches, Ottawa’s Medical Officer of Health’s resignation — effective Jan. 31 — as she transitions to a new role as President and CEO of the Children’s Hospital of Eastern Ontario (CHEO), beginning March 3.

Etches served in the position for Ottawa Public Health (OPH) since April 2018.

In a press release from CHEO on Dec. 4, the board of directors stated that Etches’ reputation, experience and success navigating the COVID-19 pandemic were key factors as to why she was chosen.

“Over her 15 years at Ottawa Public Health, Dr. Etches advanced services ranging from the support of new parents, vaccination and dental clinics, infectious disease control, through to policies about how city planning promotes health, building trust and confidence within our community,” Catherine Kitts, Chair of the Ottawa Board of Health, said.

The appointment of Ottawa’s new Interim Medical Officer of Health for OPH takes effect on Feb. 1, wrote the City of Ottawa in a news release.

“On behalf of the Board, I welcome Dr. Trevor Arnason into this new role and appreciate his guidance and support as we search for a new Medical Officer of Health,” Kitts added.

Arnason was appointed Deputy Medical Officer of Health for OPH in May 2024, he served as an Associate Medical Officer of Health since 2019, noted the city.

His role included overseeing immunization programs, as well as serving as lead medical consultant for the City of Ottawa’s Covid-19 Vaccine Distribution Taskforce.

“Dr. Arnason has extensive public health experience, having served as Halifax’s Regional Medical Officer of Health and as Program Director for the University of Ottawa’s Public Health Residency Program,” wrote Ottawa.

During his time as Interim Medical Officer of Health, he will work to ensure community members stay informed on health-related issues and news from Ottawa Public Health.

The Board of Health has established a selection panel that will manage the recruitment and recommendation of a candidate to fill the role as permanent Medical Officer of Health.

This panel will be responsible for launching a search in the coming weeks, providing regular updates.

“This hiring panel is tasked to ensure a robust, fair, and effective recruitment process, reflecting the Board’s commitment to good governance, transparency and delivering results for Ottawa,” added the city.

Members of the selection panel include Catherine Kitts (Chair of the Board of Health), Tammy DiGiovanni (Vice-Chair), Rawlson King (Councillor), and Brent Bauer (Community Member).

In 2025, Ottawa Public Health says they plan to continue building on the foundations of its Mission, Vision, Commitments and Strategic Plan, as well as enhance services promoting equity and reflect Ottawa’s diverse populations.

“The community’s perspectives will continue to shape how we plan, implement and measure progress, keeping us accountable and adapting our approaches as needed,” it added.