Fact Check: Tam has held the role of chief public health officer for eight years.

Fact Check: "Tam has held the role of chief public health officer for eight years."

What We Know

Dr. Theresa Tam has been the Chief Public Health Officer (CPHO) of Canada since her formal appointment on June 26, 2017. Prior to this, she served in an acting capacity starting December 16, 2016, following the retirement of her predecessor, Gregory Taylor (Wikipedia). The CPHO position was established in 2004, and the term length is typically five years, with the possibility of reappointment (Wikipedia). As of June 2023, Dr. Tam announced her departure from the role, stating her term would conclude on June 20, 2023 (CBC).

Analysis

The claim that "Tam has held the role of chief public health officer for eight years" is misleading. While it is true that Dr. Tam has been in the role since June 2017, her tenure does not span eight full years. As of the end of her term on June 20, 2023, she will have served approximately six years. The confusion may arise from the fact that she was acting CPHO for a brief period before her formal appointment, but this does not equate to a full eight years in the official capacity of CPHO.

The sources that support the claim of her serving for eight years include articles that may not clearly delineate the difference between acting and formal appointments (CTV News, Global News). However, the factual information from reliable sources such as the Public Health Agency of Canada and other news outlets confirms her official start date and the duration of her service.

Conclusion

Verdict: False
The claim that Dr. Theresa Tam has held the role of chief public health officer for eight years is incorrect. She has served in this capacity for approximately six years, from June 2017 until June 2023. The misrepresentation likely stems from a misunderstanding of her acting role prior to her formal appointment.

Sources

1. Chief Public Health Officer of Canada - Wikipedia
2. Canada's top doctor Theresa Tam leaving role at end of term June 20 - CBC
3. Canada's top doctor Theresa Tam to leave role June 20 - Global News
4. Canada's top doctor Theresa Tam leaving - CTV News
5. Theresa Tam bids farewell as Canada's top public health officer - Iask