Dr. Robert Strang held the position for 27 years
Dr. Jesse Kancir will take over as the chief medical officer of health for Nova Scotia after nearly three decades with Dr. Robert Strang in the position.
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The chief medical officer of health is responsible for providing public health expertise to the provincial government to support and improve the health-care system. Kancir is the current deputy chief medical officer of health for the province.
He expressed excitement for his new role in a news release Wednesday.
“I am deeply honoured to continue to serve Nova Scotians as chief medical officer of health,” said Kancir. “I look forward to working with providers, health-care partners, community organizations and government to build on the strong foundation that has been established.”
Strang held the position for 27 years and will be retiring in January. He announced his retirement in June.
As deputy chief, Kancir has worked alongside Strang since 2025, and Strang said he is confident public health will continue advancing under Kancir’s leadership.
“Throughout his career, Dr. Kancir has demonstrated a strong commitment to improving health outcomes and serving communities, and I know he will bring both dedication and compassion to this position. I wish him every success as he takes on this important responsibility,” wrote Strang.
Kancir has worked within Nova Scotia’s health-care system since he moved to the province in 2021.
He graduated from the University of Toronto medical school and the University of British Columbia, where he completed training to be a public health doctor. He is also a graduate of the University of Cambridge and the London School of Economics, where he studied public policy and health economics.
Previously, he worked as acting deputy chief medical officer of health in the Yukon.
“I am committed to working collaboratively to address health challenges and to advance opportunities that improve the well-being of Nova Scotians,” Kancir said.
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