New Brunswick’s former Chief Medical Health Officer is speaking out after her sudden job dismissal that shocked a lot of people across the region.
Dr. Eilish Cleary was dismissed eight months ago from her job as Chief Medical Health Officer after eight years on the job. The Minister of Health says Dr. Cleary’s termination was a personnel matter, and not politically motivated.
Almost a year later, it is still unknown as to exactly why Dr. Cleary was terminated from her job, because of a confidential settlement with the province. However, Dr. Cleary is explaining how she has been trying her best to move on.
“It’s probably not a bad thing for people to have to go through things like that at times,” says Dr. Cleary. “It makes us realize we’re all human, and life is tough at times. We have to adapt to the challenges.”
Dr. Cleary hasn’t stopped working. She has been doing some contract work with the federal government on issues facing First Nations communities, and spending time in the village of McAdam as a family physician.
Cleary isn’t shy about acknowledging that the past year has been a tough one, including while she was still working with the province.
“I think to be able to go into work every day and do your best, you have to decide that’s what you have to do, and not be looking over your shoulder all the time,” says Dr. Cleary. “That’s what I did. When it did happen, yes, certainly, it took some adjustment. Some of the memories are a bit vague.”
Her termination sparked an angry response from New Brunswickers, and some are still demanding answers.
A group of New Brunswickers are not letting the Department of Health forget about a report that Dr. Cleary had started while she was Chief Public Health Officer. The report is looking into the impacts of the herbicide glyphosate.
The group has been told the report is “nearing completion.”
Dr. Cleary says public health is a life-long career and that she remains committed to working for people. She was recognized with a sentiment last month by colleagues across the country.
“These are the people that know what good public health practice should look like,” says Dr. Cleary. “So, to receive the President’s Award from the Public Health Physicians of Canada is a great honour and very meaningful to me.”
Dr. Cleary says she remains “comfortable” that she did her work to the best of her ability. While she misses her former job, she says she has no regrets.
With files from CTV Atlantic’s Laura Brown
