The Yukon has a new chief medical officer of health. One with ties to the Liberal Party of Canada.

On Wednesday, Health and Social Services Minister Tracy-Anne McPhee announced she has appointed Dr. Sudit Ranade to the job effective July 4.

Ranade ran for the federal Liberals in last fall’s election campaign, failing to win a seat in his Ontario riding.

The situation harkens back to Brendan Hanley, the former CMOH who successfully ran for the Yukon seat – as a Liberal – after 12 years as the territory’s top doctor.

McPhee said, “As the territory’s chief medical officer of health, Dr. Ranade will work closely with the Government of Yukon, Yukon First Nations governments, physicians, nongovernmental organizations and other public health stakeholders to serve Yukoners and fulfill the public health needs of the territory.

“He will be responsible for providing evidence-based advice to the Government of Yukon on the territory’s ongoing response and recovery from the COVID-19 pandemic and other public health matters such as the Substance Use Health Emergency,” the minister said.

“He will also help advise the government as it continues to implement the recommendations from the Putting People First report to transform Yukon’s health and social services system into a more integrated, collaborative and person-centred system that will better meet the needs of Yukoners.”

As for his political connections, McPhee issued a statement to the Star later Wednesday that did not directly address the issue.

“We are looking forward to welcoming Dr. Sudit Ranade to the Yukon as the chief medical officer of health. I know his extensive experience in public health will help this government continue to work to improve the lives of all Yukoners,” she said.

“Due to the pandemic, there is a national and global shortage of health care providers,” McPhee added.

“Given the challenge in recruiting public health physicians in Canada at this time, Medfall, an independent recruitment firm that specializes in physician leadership recruitment, supported this process.

“A hiring committee composed of Medfall lead Robb Callaghan, deputy minister Michael Hale, Dr. Andre Corriveau, Diane Strand and assistant deputy minister Amy Riske recommended this appointment.”

Speaking to the Star this morning, NDP Leader Kate White had no hesitation in addressing the new CMOH’s political pedigree.

“I’m glad to see a new chief medical officer of health after nearly a year without one,” she said. “The apparent Liberal connection, though, isn’t good for public perception and trust.

“I have full trust that partisanship won’t be involved in any decisions that will be made.”

White said she is enthusiastic about the new doctor’s positions on some social issues, such as the decriminaliztion of small amounts of recreational drugs.

The news release that accompanied the announcement stated Ranade is currently the medical officer of health for the County of Lambton and Lambton Public Health in Ontario.

He holds a Doctorate in Medicine from the University of Ottawa.

He completed residency training in Family Medicine and in Public Health through Kingston, Ontario’s Queen’s University.

At that time, he completed a Master of Public Health degree and a Master in Business Administration degree.

Ranade is certified by the College of Family Physicians of Canada as well as the Royal College of Physicians and Surgeons of Canada in Public Health and Preventative Medicine.

“I am pleased to appoint Dr. Sudit Ranade as the Yukon’s chief medical officer of health,” McPhee said.

“Dr. Ranade has a wide range of public health experience that will help address health challenges in the territory such as the COVID-19 pandemic and the Substance Use Health Emergency,” she added.

“I look forward to working with him on how we can strengthen our public health system in the Yukon and support Yukoners in living healthy and happy lives.”

McPhee added, “Thank you to Dr. (Catherine) Elliott for her work over the last year to help lead the territory through the pandemic and other public health initiatives.”

Elliott left the top doctor’s role earlier this year. She had assumed it in late 2021 after Hanley’s resignation.

Rande, meanwhile, will not be available for an interview until after he starts his job in July.

In the release, he was quoted as saying, “I am honoured to be appointed as the Yukon’s chief medical officer of health.

“I look forward to working with the public health team, First Nations and community health leaders and other partners to build a strong public health system for the Yukon, including the implementation of the recommendations in Putting People First.”