Dr. Vivien Suttorp, shown in this photo from 2019, has been appointed Alberta's new permanent chief medical officer of health. (Photo: Lethbridge News Now)

By Fakiha Baig, The Canadian Press

Health Care

Alberta minister, new permanent chief health officer eye renewed collaboration

Dec 19, 2025 | 1:21 PM

Alberta’s primary care minister and the first permanent chief medical officer of health since the last one was fired in 2022 say they are looking forward to working together as the province enters a new era.

Health Minister Adriana LaGrange says she believes she can build strong health systems across Alberta with Dr. Vivien Suttorp, who has been the South Zone’s lead medical health officer for the past 17 years.

LaGrange and Suttorp made the comments during a separate news conference about the respiratory virus season.

LaGrange told reporters the rise in influenza cases that’s being seen is typical for this time of the year and encouraged Albertans to stay up to date on their immunizations.

Suttorp is the first permanent medical health officer in Alberta since 2022, the year Premier Danielle Smith fired Dr. Deena Hinshaw after they clashed over health measures curbing the spread of COVID-19.

Nighttime construction on Hwy 3 in Lethbridge starts April 17

Apr 17, 2025

SASHA launches #BuyABed fundraiser to support vulnerable Lethbridge residents

Apr 04, 2025

$20K grants available: TELUS STORYHIVE Pan-Asian Edition opens applications April 1

Mar 18, 2025

Dr. Mark Joffe took over Hinshaw’s role on an interim basis but left before his contract expired earlier this year, and then Dr. Sunil Sookram was appointed to the job temporarily.

This report by The Canadian Press was first published Dec. 19, 2025.