Ottawa's chief medical officer Dr. Vera Etches to become head of CHEO
Medical Officer of Health Dr. Vera Etches (Photo courtesy: City of Ottawa)
Ottawa’s medical officer of health Dr. Vera Etches has been appointed as the president and CEO of the Children's Hospital of Eastern Ontario (CHEO).
Etches, who was the city's top doctor during the height of the COVID-19 pandemic, has served in her role as head of Ottawa Public Health since 2018.
She will start her new job on March 3, 2025.
"We are thrilled to welcome Dr. Etches to CHEO," said Jo-Anne Poirier, chair of CHEO's Board of Directors in a news release.
"Her experience, passion, and dedication to improving health for everyone makes her an ideal person to lead us into the future."
As president and CEO, Etches will oversee CHEO's operations, including patient care on campus and in the community, research, innovation and advocacy.
She will build on the organization's growth, which includes plans for a 10-year, $818 million renovation to expand the emergency department, overhaul operating rooms and create more mental health spaces.
Alex Munter, who served at the helm of the hospital for 13 years, stepped down in October to become the chief of the Canadian Medical Association.
Etches comes with a long career in medicine. She served as deputy medical officer of health from 2014 to 2017 and as associate medical officer of health for OPH from 2009 to 2014.
She served in a variety of roles at the Sudbury and District Health Unit after completing her training in Public Health and Preventative Medicine in 2005.
She is also an adjunct professor at the University of Ottawa in the faculty of medicine.
"I am honoured to be joining CHEO and to have the opportunity to lead such a remarkable organization," Etches said in a statement.
"CHEO is synonymous with exceptional compassionate care and groundbreaking research. I look forward to working with the CHEO team to build on this legacy and ensure that CHEO continues to meet the growing needs of kids today and tomorrow."
Dr. Lindy Samson will remain as interim president and CEO until Etches takes over next year.
CHEO is eastern Ontario's only children's hospital, also serving children and families from northern Ontario, western Quebec and Nunavut.
The hospital helps more than half a million children every year.
Shopping Trends
The Shopping Trends team is independent of the journalists at CTV News. We may earn a commission when you use our links to shop. Read about us.
CTVNews.ca Top Stories
Weekend announcements narrow field of high-profile Liberal leadership prospects
As a race to elect a new Liberal leader quickly approaches, a high-profile candidate appears set to throw their hat into the ring.
Minister says dozens of firefighters from Alberta and B.C. to deploy in California
Emergency Preparedness Minister Harjit Sajjan says dozens of firefighters from Alberta and British Columbia will help fight wildfires in California, and the federal government is co-ordinating efforts with the provinces to deploy resources.
Alberta premier Danielle Smith meets with Trump at impromptu Mar-a-Lago visit
Alberta premier Danielle Smith met with President-elect Donald Trump Saturday at Mar-a-Lago in Florida.
'Hell on Earth': Canadians forced to evacuate homes as L.A. wildfires continue
Ottawa rapper Khalid Omar, who performs under the name TwoTiime, was forced to evacuate his Calabasas condo as wildfires tore through the Los Angeles area this week, leaving the studio where he records in ruins.
Death toll continues to rise as fire crews try to corral Los Angeles blazes before winds return this week
After a weekend spent blocking the explosive growth of fires that destroyed thousands of homes as the death toll continues to rise in the Los Angeles area.
Are there U.S. military bases and American troops in Canada?
The U.S. military has more than 165,000 troops deployed in over 170 countries and territories, including Canada.
Costco Canada accused of overcharging online shoppers in class-action lawsuit
Perrier Attorneys says Costco charged more for items online than in-store, a practice known as “double ticketing,” which is banned under the Competition Act.
Meet Franklin, the rescued tortoise who spent the last three months in a B.C. fridge
Franklin the tortoise has been in a fridge for the past 15 weeks.
Teen's road test halted by stunt driving charge
A 17-year-old driver failed their road test before it even began after being stopped by police in a community safety zone.
Atlantic
-
Firefighters union says it is 'heartbroken' after fire in Lower Sackville, N.S.
A 40-year-old man was taken to hospital after his neighbour rescued him from a house fire in Lower Sackville, N.S.
-
RCMP investigate suspicious death, fire in Nova Scotia's Annapolis Valley
One person is dead under suspicious circumstances after a house fire in Centreville, N.S.
-
New Brunswick man dies in two-vehicle collision
A 66-year-old man from Petit Cap, N.B., died following a two-vehicle collision in Woodside, N.B.
Toronto
-
9-year-old boy dead after crash on QEW in Oakville: OPP
A single-vehicle crash on the Queen Elizabeth Way in Oakville has left a nine-year-old child dead, Ontario Provincial Police say.
-
Toronto police investigating pair of stabbings in Etobicoke
Police are searching for several suspects following two separate stabbings in Etobicoke on Sunday night.
-
Elderly woman pronounced deceased following two-vehicle collision in Vaughan
A woman in her 80s has died following a two-vehicle collision in Vaughan on Sunday afternoon, say police.
Montreal
-
Bishop's students allege teacher uses degrading terms, university doing nothing
Students at Bishop's University in Sherbrooke, Que., say they're shocked and appalled by the school's apparent lack of action over a teacher they allege has been using derogatory language in her classroom for years.
-
Shots fired at a home on Montreal's West Island
Multiple shots were fired at a home in Dollard-des-Ormeaux on Montreal's West Island.
-
Costco Canada accused of overcharging online shoppers in class-action lawsuit
Perrier Attorneys says Costco charged more for items online than in-store, a practice known as “double ticketing,” which is banned under the Competition Act.
Northern Ontario
-
NEWNEW First responders stress safety as more venture onto the ice
Following recent tragedies in northern Ontario, provincial police and other first responders are reminding the public to be cautious around bodies of water.
-
Two charged with first-degree murder, arson in northern Ont.
A man and a woman from Blind River have been charged with first-degree murder and a third person has been charged with accessory to murder after the fact.
-
Costco Canada accused of overcharging online shoppers in class-action lawsuit
Perrier Attorneys says Costco charged more for items online than in-store, a practice known as “double ticketing,” which is banned under the Competition Act.
Windsor
-
Mayor of Kingsville prioritizing solution for three vacant schools in 2025
Dennis Rogers was one of three local mayors at the 16th annual Mayors Breakfast on Friday morning and provided Kingsville's 2025 Forecast in front of the Leamington District Chamber of Commerce.
-
UWindsor researcher looks to make Canada a leader in microchips
Dr. Jalal Ahamed’s work in partnership with Montreal-based company Stathera Inc., looks to develop an ultra-precise resonating oscillator to provide the stable reference frequency key to the operation of modern computer chips.
-
Lions drone show dazzles over Windsor
More than 400 drones soared from Riverfront Festival Plaza hundreds of feet into the air before they aligned to form different words and images.
London
-
Young woman kidnapped from her Sarnia home, held against her will
A young woman in Sarnia was kidnapped and threatened with an axe following a violent break and enter in the city on Friday.
-
Police warn of counterfeit bills circulating in Woodstock
According to Woodstock police, two women were apprehended circulating counterfeit bills at stores in the city this week.
-
London's Jim 'The Gentleman' Long wins his way onto pro darts tour
Long secured his tour status by defeating England's John Brown 6-0 in the semifinal before downing Wales' Kevin O'Keefe 6-4 in the final.
Kitchener
-
WaterLAN Esport Tournament showcases inclusivity and growth in Waterloo Region: organizers
The Waterloo Region is stepping into the esports spotlight this weekend with the WaterLAN E-sports Tournament, a provincial collegiate invitational hosted by the University of Waterloo and Conestoga College.
-
Trudeau says Trump's comments on 51st state 'flattering' but a 'non-starter'
Prime Minister Justin Trudeau says talk of Canada becoming the 51st state is a distraction from more pressing threats of U.S tariffs on Canada and their likely impact.
-
Death toll continues to rise as fire crews try to corral Los Angeles blazes before winds return this week
After a weekend spent blocking the explosive growth of fires that destroyed thousands of homes as the death toll continues to rise in the Los Angeles area.
Barrie
-
Teen's road test halted by stunt driving charge
A 17-year-old driver failed their road test before it even began after being stopped by police in a community safety zone.
-
Police appeal for help locating missing Barrie teen
Barrie police are asking for the public’s help in finding 14-year-old Destiny, who has been reported missing.
-
Lone sailor trapped in ice sparks concern in Southern Georgian Bay
A lone sailor living on a sailboat trapped in the Georgian Bay ice has sparked concern among Penetanguishene residents.
Winnipeg
-
'He was a genius': Family remembers man who died waiting for care in Winnipeg ER
The sister of a man who died waiting for care in the emergency department of Winnipeg’s Health Sciences Centre (HSC) is remembering her late brother as an intelligent person with a bold personality
-
High-risk offender back behind bars
A high-risk offender, who was recently released from jail, is back behind bars.
-
Contrasts start to take shape in leadership race for Manitoba's Opposition Tories
The battle for the leadership of the Manitoba Progressive Conservatives is three months from being decided, and the two men vying for the role are laying out different paths to try to reignite the party voted out of office in the last election.
Calgary
-
Alberta premier Danielle Smith meets with Trump at impromptu Mar-a-Lago visit
Alberta premier Danielle Smith met with President-elect Donald Trump Saturday at Mar-a-Lago in Florida.
-
Hit-and-run on Tsuut’ina First Nation critically injures two pedestrians
Tsuut'ina police need your help as officers investigate a hit and run that sent two people to hospital were they are listed in critical but stable condition.
-
Homicide investigation underway after man found dead in downtown Calgary
A homicide investigation is underway after a man was found dead early Sunday morning.
Edmonton
-
Alberta premier Danielle Smith meets with Trump at impromptu Mar-a-Lago visit
Alberta premier Danielle Smith met with President-elect Donald Trump Saturday at Mar-a-Lago in Florida.
-
Minister says dozens of firefighters from Alberta and B.C. to deploy in California
Emergency Preparedness Minister Harjit Sajjan says dozens of firefighters from Alberta and British Columbia will help fight wildfires in California, and the federal government is co-ordinating efforts with the provinces to deploy resources.
-
Outdoor tournament held in 'perfect setting' as part of Edmonton minor hockey week
A pond hockey tournament for players in the under-9 age category at Cattail Crossing Golf Club in west Edmonton was "the perfect setting" for the outdoor extravaganza.
Regina
-
Team Canada takes gold at U18 women's hockey worlds, Sask.'s Zablocki leads scoring
For the third time in four years, Canada has brought home gold from the Under-18 Women's World Championships – with help from Saskatchewan's own Stryker Zablocki.
-
'It gives me freedom': Local organization giving people with disabilities chance to hit the slopes
The Regina Ski Club is ensuring everyone has a chance to hit the slopes this winter.
-
Extreme cold warning issued for Regina, southeast Sask.
Much of central and southeastern Saskatchewan is now under extreme cold warnings as a cold front makes its way across the province.
Saskatoon
-
Police responding to serious crash in southern Saskatoon
A serious crash in south Saskatoon has closed the intersection of Preston Avenue South and Stonebridge Common.
-
Extreme cold blankets, Saskatoon, Prince Albert, parts of northern Sask.
An especially chilly Sunday is forecasted for several regions across Saskatchewan – as extreme cold warnings come into effect.
-
'Everybody wins': Saskatoon SPCA garage sale makes room for fundraising
Garage sale season started a little early in Saskatoon this year. The SPCA held a garage sale Saturday to make use of some its more abundant gently used donations that might go unused.
Vancouver
-
Woman rescued after ‘bum sliding’ down West Vancouver mountain and fracturing ankle
Hikers are being warned of the dangers of using “bum sliding” as a means to descend mountains after the seemingly fun and safer mode of travel landed one woman in hospital.
-
Meet Franklin, the rescued tortoise who spent the last three months in a B.C. fridge
Franklin the tortoise has been in a fridge for the past 15 weeks.
-
Police search for vehicle involved in Langley hit-and-run
Langley RCMP are issuing a fresh call for witnesses after identifying a vehicle believed to be linked to a hit-and-run that took place in November.
Vancouver Island
-
B.C. fire crews sent to fight Los Angeles wildfire: forests minister
British Columbia’s forests minister says a crew from the province’s wildfire service left for California Saturday afternoon to help battle the wildfires ravaging the Los Angeles area.
-
Meet Franklin, the rescued tortoise who spent the last three months in a B.C. fridge
Franklin the tortoise has been in a fridge for the past 15 weeks.
-
Florence Girard was 55 pounds when she starved in home-share. Her sister wants change
The sister of a British Columbia woman with Down syndrome who starved to death in a Port Coquitlam home in 2018 says she believes more people will die if systemic changes aren't made to how people with developmental disabilities are treated.
Kelowna
-
West Kelowna fire chief says L.A. devastation a haunting reminder of B.C. blaze
The fire chief of a British Columbia community devastated by a fast-moving wildfire in 2023 says it's "haunting" to see similar circumstances playing out in Southern California.
-
1 hospitalized, residents displaced after Kelowna apartment fire
Firefighters knocked down a blaze on the third floor of a low-rise apartment building near downtown Kelowna Monday afternoon.
-
Lost skiers rescued off B.C. mountain
Search and rescue volunteers in B.C.’s Okanagan successfully reunited two skiers with their family Friday evening.
