Grey Bruce’s top doctor resigning amid provincial takeover

The Medical Officer of Health for Grey-Bruce Public Health is stepping down from his role.

Dr. Ian Arra is resigning his position as Grey-Bruce’s medical officer of health effective May 4.

Arra, who has been the medical officer of health for the Grey-Bruce Health Unit since January 2019, is reportedly taking a job in the private health sector.

His resignation comes amidst a provincial takeover of the Grey Bruce Board of Health that started last August.

The province has been overseeing and rebuilding Grey Bruce’s Board of Health due to “governance and leadership issues.” Arra remained as the medical officer of health throughout the provincial takeover but has decided now is the time to move on.

“I believe this is the right time for this transition and I have full confidence in the Grey Bruce Public Health Team to continue the important work of protecting and promoting the health of our communities. I am deeply grateful to the dedicated staff for their professionalism and commitment that makes Grey Bruce Public Health exceptional as well as to the boards of health and board members, the Ministry of Health and the province for their support during the pandemic and recovery. I also want to thank our community members and partners – your collaboration has been essential to our success,” said Arra.

Dr. Brittany Graham, Grey Bruce Public Health public health physician consultant, is assuming the responsibilities of medical officer of health in an acting capacity. Arra is assisting with the transition.

The provincial advisors, Jim Pine and Dr. Eileen de Villa, who have been advising Grey-Bruce Public Health since August, had this to say about the transition.

“Since last fall, Dr. Arra and Grey Bruce Public Health staff, in collaboration with the counties of Grey and Bruce, have been working with us towards a renewed and strengthened health unit. We are grateful for their commitment to their communities.

As the renewed Board of Health is established, we are confident that Dr. Graham and health unit staff, supported by the counties of Grey and Bruce, will provide strong and effective leadership for public health in the region.”