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TORONTO – Steven Del Duca, Ontario Liberal Party Leader, is calling for Ontario to bring back the position of Chief Scientist.
In 2018, just a few days after taking office, Doug Ford fired Ontario’s Chief Scientist. This critical role has remained unfilled since then, despite the government promising a replacement nearly two years ago,” said Steven Del Duca.
“Molly Shoichet, the Chief Scientist Ford fired, said “science is not political” – and she was right. Viruses do not care which political party you support.”
“I’m calling on the Ford government to hire a new Chief Scientist as soon as possible – and to strengthen the position of Chief Scientist by making this position report directly to the Premier.”
Ontario’s Chief Scientist provided science-based advice across government portfolios.
“A Chief Scientist would have been a great resource for the Premier and government to call upon during this pandemic. We can’t undo past mistakes, but as we look forward and re-evaluate long term care and health care, it will be vital to include official scientific advice. This pandemic has exposed numerous cracks in our healthcare system, including our capacity to develop treatments and a possible vaccine. We need to address gaps like these and create a resilient system that supports all Ontarians,” concluded Del Duca.