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- calendar_today November 9, 2026
Dr. Robert Strang Prepares for Retirement After Decades in Public Health
Dr. Robert Strang, Nova Scotia’s chief medical officer of health and a central figure during the COVID-19 pandemic, is set to retire at the end of the year. Strang, whose tenure began in 2007, has become a recognizable name in the province due to his visible leadership during some of the most challenging times in recent memory.
A Diverse Background and Journey to Nova Scotia
Originally from Southern Rhodesia (now Zimbabwe), Dr. Strang completed his medical degree at the University of British Columbia in 1990. After practicing on the West Coast and serving as team doctor for Canada’s men’s national rugby team, he moved east. In 1999, he settled in Nova Scotia and, by 2007, was appointed as the province’s top public health official.
Commitment to Public Health and Lasting Impact
Reflecting on nearly two decades in the role, Dr. Strang attributes his long service to a deep passion for public health. He stresses the importance of building healthy communities and values the teamwork he experienced across the Department of Health and Wellness and the broader healthcare system. “The amazing people I've gotten to work with... that's really what's my main takeaway as I look back and reflect on my career,” he said in a recent interview.
Leadership Through Crisis: COVID-19 and Collaboration
Dr. Strang’s partnership with provincial leaders, particularly with Premier Stephen McNeil during the initial year and a half of the pandemic, stands out to him. The intensity of their collaboration, he noted, arose from the urgent task of protecting Nova Scotians and addressing the wide-ranging consequences of the pandemic and public health measures. During this period, Strang played a key role in shaping the region’s response and keeping the public informed alongside government officials.
Public Health Messaging and Community Lessons
As a public figure, Dr. Strang became the face of health communications during COVID-19, leading daily briefings and sharing pivotal public health messages. He believes that the pandemic provided critical lessons, especially concerning how certain communities are affected more than others by health crises. Strang highlighted the widespread cooperation among Nova Scotians, emphasizing a collective approach to public health measures, even when those measures were difficult or unpopular.
Reflecting on Public Reaction and Challenges
While much of the response from the public was supportive, Dr. Strang acknowledged that some individuals expressed frustration with Nova Scotia’s COVID-19 response, sometimes targeting him personally. He shared that while he does not let negative reactions overshadow his experiences, he was particularly troubled when his family became involved. Nevertheless, Strang noted the support he received from government, security, and law enforcement during such incidents.
Lessons Learned and Perspective on Public Health Measures
Dr. Strang expressed concern that some of the effective practices learned during the pandemic—such as handwashing, staying home while sick, and getting vaccinated—may be fading from public memory. With respiratory virus season returning, he urges the community to continue applying those lessons for ongoing public health resilience.
Looking Ahead: Retirement Plans and New Horizons
Approaching his 67th birthday, Dr. Strang feels ready for retirement after a 30-year career focused on public health. He looks forward to a less demanding pace, spending more time with his wife, traveling, and even pursuing new interests—such as step-dancing, inspired by a recent fundraising event. Despite retiring from his official role, Strang plans to remain engaged with public health from a different perspective and continue giving back to the community.
Succession and Future of Public Health Leadership
Dr. Jesse Kancir, who has been deputy chief medical officer of health since last year, will succeed Dr. Strang. As Nova Scotia prepares for this transition, Dr. Strang’s contributions and experiences provide a foundation for the province’s public health leadership moving forward.
Source: cbc.ca.
