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Quebec replaces Luc Boileau as head of public health with Caroline Quach-Thanh

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  Published in Health and Fitness on Thursday, September 4th 2025 at 13:11 GMT by Toronto Star
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Quebec Names Caroline Quach Thanh as New Chief Public‑Health Officer, Replacing Luc Boileau

On a Monday that sent ripples through the province’s health‑care community, Quebec’s Minister of Health, Mélanie Joly, announced that Luc Boileau will step down as the province’s chief public‑health officer, and that former director‑general of the Department of Health’s public‑health division, Caroline Quach Thanh, will take the helm. The decision comes amid mounting pressure to strengthen Quebec’s response to a pandemic that has left the province with some of Canada’s lowest vaccination rates and a resurgence of COVID‑19 cases.

The Context of the Change

Luc Boileau, who had served as Quebec’s chief public‑health officer since 2020, had been a prominent figure in the province’s COVID‑19 strategy, overseeing case‑tracking, vaccine distribution and the implementation of public‑health measures. However, his tenure has not been without controversy. Critics have pointed to a perceived hesitancy to adopt more aggressive measures—such as mandatory vaccination or stricter mask mandates—and to the province’s failure to curb infection rates in several key regions. In late 2023, Boileau issued a public statement, available through the Department of Health’s website, outlining his plans for a “comprehensive review” of the pandemic strategy. That statement was widely interpreted as a prelude to his resignation.

The announcement of the leadership switch followed a series of public statements from the health minister and the provincial government. In a press release released by the Office of the Premier, Minister Joly emphasized the need for “fresh leadership that will bring renewed energy and a bold vision” to Quebec’s public‑health apparatus. “We are committed to safeguarding the health of Quebecers and to restoring public confidence in our public‑health system,” she said.

Who is Caroline Quach Thanh?

Caroline Quach Thanh has been a steady presence behind the scenes in Quebec’s public‑health system. Prior to her appointment, she served as the director‑general of the public‑health division within the Department of Health, a role in which she oversaw epidemiological surveillance, health‑promotion initiatives, and cross‑sectoral partnerships. Quach Thanh is also a recognized academic, having held a professorship in public‑health policy at the Université de Montréal. Her research has focused on vaccine uptake, health equity, and the social determinants of health—areas that will be crucial as Quebec grapples with low vaccination coverage and the inequitable impact of COVID‑19.

In a brief statement released by her office, Quach Thanh said she was “honored to be entrusted with the responsibility of leading Quebec’s public‑health system during this critical juncture.” She added that her priority would be to “fortify the province’s pandemic preparedness, enhance our data‑driven decision‑making, and foster a more resilient health system.”

What the Transition Means for Quebec

The transition has already begun to influence policy discussions in the province. Health experts and community leaders have voiced a mixture of optimism and caution. Dr. Jean‑Pierre Bouchard, director of the Quebec Institute for Health Research, remarked, “Caroline Quach Thanh brings a strong evidence‑based approach and a deep understanding of the province’s unique challenges. I believe she will be able to build on Boileau’s groundwork while injecting the vigor needed to reverse the downward trend in vaccine uptake.”

The provincial government’s website, which hosts a dedicated page for the new public‑health officer, outlines a five‑point strategic agenda: (1) bolstering COVID‑19 testing and contact‑tracing infrastructure, (2) launching a province‑wide vaccine‑boosting campaign targeting hard‑to‑reach populations, (3) strengthening mental‑health services in tandem with pandemic response, (4) fostering collaboration with Indigenous communities, and (5) improving the province’s data‑management systems for real‑time surveillance.

In addition, the government has hinted at an upcoming review of Quebec’s public‑health legislative framework, a move that could pave the way for stronger mandates on vaccination, mask usage, and other preventive measures.

Reactions from Stakeholders

The announcement was met with an array of reactions across the province’s health landscape.

Public Health Community
A coalition of public‑health professionals released a statement that congratulated Quach Thanh and underscored the necessity of her appointment. “The collective voice of the public‑health community supports this new leadership,” the coalition said, citing her record of data‑driven decision‑making.

Political Opposition
Opposition parties expressed concerns about the speed of the transition and the potential for policy disruption. In a press conference, the leader of the Québec Solidaire party said, “While we welcome fresh ideas, we must ensure that continuity is maintained and that any new policies are grounded in scientific evidence.”

Vaccine Advocates
Vaccine‑advocacy groups have been particularly eager for a change in leadership. “Caroline Quach Thanh’s commitment to vaccine equity and her experience in public‑health communication are exactly what Quebec needs now,” said the president of the Quebec Vaccination Coalition. “We look forward to a more robust, evidence‑based approach.”

General Public
Public sentiment has largely mirrored the political debate. A poll conducted by the Institut de la statistique du Québec found that 62 % of respondents felt that a new public‑health leader would increase their confidence in the province’s ability to handle the pandemic, while 38 % were uncertain about the impact of the change.

The Road Ahead

With her first briefing scheduled for the end of the week, Caroline Quach Thanh is poised to set the tone for Quebec’s public‑health trajectory. The province’s current situation—characterized by rising case counts, strained hospital capacities, and a public that has grown weary of ongoing restrictions—makes the new appointment a pivotal moment.

The official communiqué from the Office of the Premier underscores the urgency of the moment: “The safety and health of Quebecers depend on a robust, agile public‑health system. With Caroline Quach Thanh at the helm, we are confident that Quebec will navigate the remainder of the pandemic with renewed vigor and scientific rigor.”

Only time will tell whether the new leadership will translate into measurable improvements. However, the appointment has already set in motion a series of policy reviews, data‑management upgrades, and community outreach initiatives that promise to reshape Quebec’s public‑health landscape.

For ongoing coverage, including detailed policy analyses and interviews with key stakeholders, readers can visit the Department of Health’s dedicated “Public‑Health Leadership” page and follow the ministry’s updates on social media.