One of the key figures in the Peel region’s response to the COVID-19 pandemic over the past two years is abandoning its role.
Peel’s official health doctor, Dr. Lawrence Loh, will begin working as executive director and general manager of the College of Family Physicians of Canada in September, succeeding Dr. Francine Lemire.
The news of the departure comes just two months after Mississauga Mayor Bonnie Crombie handed her the key to the city.
Crombie then called Loh a “health hero” and credited him with making “quite unpopular decisions” that ultimately saved lives.
“Dr. Loh carries with him an established track record in medical leadership, teaching, research and administration spanning five government agencies at the three levels of government in two different provinces, “the university said in a press release on Wednesday. Peel Public Health Team Receives National Recognition for Working in Collaboration with the Community and Making Difficult, Evidence-Based Decisions That Saved Lives and Limited the Impacts of the Pandemic in One of Canada’s Most Affected Communities “.
Loh was named Peel’s interim health medical officer at the start of the COVID-19 pandemic in March. He was then given a permanent job in July 2020.
During his time with Peel Public Health, Loh helped oversee one of Ontario’s largest vaccination campaigns while using the power of his office to introduce a series of restrictions to reduce the spread of COVID-19.
He was also a frequent presence at press conferences, sometimes strongly advocating for the introduction of paid sick days, which the Ford government eventually did after heavy public pressure.
At this time, it is not yet clear when Loh will formally retire as Peel’s chief physician.
In a message posted to Twitter on Wednesday afternoon, Crombie said Mississauga will be “forever grateful” to Loh “for his leadership and advice during a difficult and uncertain time in our history.”
“Thank you for protecting the health and safety of our residents and for putting us on the path to recovery,” he said.