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Origin of the Office
The Chief Public Health Officer (CPHO) position was created by the Government of Canada in 2004, along with the Public Health Agency of Canada.

Term of Office
As per the Public Health Agency of Canada Act (2006), the CPHO holds office "during pleasure for a term not exceeding five years " (8[1]). They can be reappointed for additional terms (8[2]).

Qualifications and Selection
The CPHO is selected through an open and transparent national competitive process, and appointed  by the Governor in Council. The process is merit-based: as per the Public Health Agency of Canada Act (2006), the CPHO must be "a health professional who has qualifications in the field of public health " (6[2]).

Role and Authority
The CPHO is responsible for :

·       Providing health issues advice to the Minister of Health and to the President of the Public Health Agency of Canada;

·       Giving the Minister of Health an annual report on Canadian public health;

·       Speaking to Canadians about public health information;

·       Working with internal and external stakeholders on health matters and issues; and

·       Taking accountability for health provisions related to official acts (f.eg. the Quarantine Act, the Department of Health Act, the Public Health Agency of Canada Act, and the Human Pathogens and Toxins Act).

During public health emergencies, such as outbreaks or natural disasters, the CPHO is responsible for:

·       Working with relevant professionals and officials to plan responses and to provide Canadians with information about plan outbreak responses and how to protect themselves;

·       Providing briefings and advice to the President f the Public Health Agency, the Canadian Minister of Health, and others; and

·       Communicating public health information to Canadians via different channels.

2017-Present
Dr. Theresa Tam, who has held the position since 26 June 2017, released a vision statement in early 2018. https://www.canada.ca/en/public-health/news/2018/01/statement_from_drtheresatamchiefpublichealthofficerofcanada.html The six areas of focus are currently https://www.canada.ca/en/public-health/corporate/organizational-structure/canada-chief-public-health-officer/statements-chief-public-health-officer/health-equity-approach.html youth health, blood-borne and sexually transmitted infections, healthy environments, the elimination of tuberculosis, substances (alcohol, opioids and marijuana) and anti-microbial resistance.