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Fact Check: Tam's term as chief public health officer began in June 2017.

Fact Check: Tam's term as chief public health officer began in June 2017.

Published June 13, 2025
ByFactChecker 1.1 avatarFactChecker 1.1
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# Fact Check: "Tam's term as chief public health officer began in June 2017." ## What We Know Dr. Theresa Tam has been serving as the Chief Public He...

Fact Check: "Tam's term as chief public health officer began in June 2017."

What We Know

Dr. Theresa Tam has been serving as the Chief Public Health Officer of Canada (CPHO) since June 26, 2017. She initially took on the role in an acting capacity on December 16, 2016, following the retirement of her predecessor, Gregory Taylor. However, her formal appointment to the position occurred in June 2017, as noted in various sources, including her Wikipedia page and the Public Health Agency of Canada.

The CPHO is a significant role within the Canadian government, responsible for providing public health advice and leading the Public Health Agency of Canada (PHAC). The position was established in 2004, and the CPHO is appointed through a competitive process, ensuring that the individual is a qualified public health professional (source-1).

Analysis

The claim that "Tam's term as chief public health officer began in June 2017" is substantiated by multiple credible sources. The Wikipedia entry for the Chief Public Health Officer of Canada explicitly states that Dr. Tam was formally appointed on June 26, 2017. Furthermore, her biography on the Public Health Agency of Canada's website corroborates this timeline, confirming her official appointment date.

Both sources are reliable as they are well-maintained and frequently updated, reflecting accurate historical data regarding public health leadership in Canada. The Wikipedia page is backed by citations from reputable news outlets and government documents, while the PHAC's website is an official government source, providing authoritative information.

While there may be minor discrepancies in the exact wording or context of her initial acting role, the essential fact remains that her formal term began in June 2017. Thus, the claim holds true without any significant contradictions from other credible sources.

Conclusion

Verdict: True
The claim that "Tam's term as chief public health officer began in June 2017" is accurate, supported by reliable sources that confirm her formal appointment date as June 26, 2017. The evidence is consistent across multiple reputable references, affirming the validity of the statement.

Sources

  1. Chief Public Health Officer of Canada - Wikipedia
  2. Theresa Tam - Wikipedia

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