Dr. Jesse Kancir to Become Nova Scotia's Next Chief Medical Officer of Health in January
Dr. Jesse Kancir, who has served as deputy chief medical officer since March 2025, will succeed Dr. Robert Strang as Nova Scotia's chief medical officer of health in January, ending Strang's 27-year tenure.
Dr. Jesse Kancir will assume the role of Nova Scotia’s chief medical officer of health in January, succeeding Dr. Robert Strang, who held the position for 27 years. Kancir has served as the province's deputy chief medical officer of health since March 2025.
Kancir moved to Nova Scotia from the Yukon approximately five years ago. As he prepares for the leadership transition, he faces the task of rebuilding relationships with government and community partners.
Vaccination remains a key public health focus. On average, only one-third of Nova Scotians typically get their flu vaccines. Despite these lower-than-desired vaccination numbers—which may lead to increased hospitalizations and deaths from infectious diseases—Nova Scotia's flu vaccine uptake was the second best in Canada last year.
Public health officials also face potential backlash and harassment when communicating health advice, a challenge Kancir will navigate in his new role.
Regarding unregulated cannabis shops, Kancir stated he would not hold an independent policy position until January, deferring to Dr. Strang's current stance until the transition is complete.