Public Health Ontario has confirmed that its CEO, Dr. Peter Donnelly, is stepping away from his job, one day after Premier Doug Ford demanded immediate action to improve COVID-19 testing rates.
The head of Ontario’s public health agency is temporarily stepping away from his job, a day after the premier called the province’s low rate of COVID-19 testing “unacceptable.”
Dr. Peter Donnelly, the president and chief executive of Public Health Ontario, took a medical leave Thursday. The reasons have not been disclosed, but the agency says it is not related to the coronavirus.
At a news conference Thursday afternoon, Premier Doug Ford said that Donnelly’s abrupt departure had nothing to do with his job performance.
“I want to make it very clear I’m not frustrated with any individual or any group,” said Ford. He praised Donnelly as an “absolute champion,” and said that he can’t wait to welcome him back to the team once his health improves.
Colleen Geiger, who currently serve