Former Alberta top doctor Hinshaw joins Henry's team

Alberta's former top doctor, Deena Hinshaw, will take on a new role as a deputy provincial health officer in B.C.

Hinshaw signed a six-month contract for the position, announced the office of B.C. provincial health officer Dr. Bonnie Henry.

“In her new role, Dr. Hinshaw will support the work of the office of the PHO,” filling in for deputy provincial health officer Dr. Martin Lavoie, who is on temporary assignment, Henry said in a statement on Wednesday announcing the new hire.

Hinshaw became Alberta's chief medical officer in early 2019 and led the province's COVID-19 response. Her calm mannerism initially made her a popular public figure in the first weeks of the pandemic and her likeness became the subject of T-shirts and internet memes. That popularity waned as the pandemic dragged on and debate over the use of public health restrictions grew increasingly polarized, particularly after Alberta fully loosened restrictions in July 2021.

She also faced backlash after it was revealed she received a nearly $228,000 bonus in 2021, on top of her $363,633.92 salary.

Hinshaw was ousted by Premier Danielle Smith's government in November and replaced in the role by Dr. Mark Joffe.

Dr. Andrew Larder, a former medical health officer at Fraser and Interior Health, also joined B.C.'s public health leadership team as a public health officer on temporary assignment.