Health PEI CEO says UPEI medical school concerns factor in resignation
Fears about the impact a new medical school will have on Prince Edward Island’s health-care system are a major contributing factor as to why the Island health authority’s CEO is stepping aside.
The medical school being built at the University of Prince Edward Island is coming along quickly, but questions remain about the negative impacts it could have on an already stressed and understaffed health-care system.
Health PEI CEO Dr. Michael Gardam has his own concerns.
“I worry that the medical school is going to damage all the good work, and the stuff that we’ve started to be able to really make a difference on here,” he said. “Frankly, I don’t want to be part of that.”
Dr. Gardam is leaving Health PEI at the end of March, due in part to the medical school and what he says is a lack of consultation by the province and UPEI.
However, Paul Young, UPEI Medical School’s Chief Operating Officer, said they are working with Health PEI and, though there are challenges, the school will serve as a recruiting beacon, and medical residents will be able to assist in the delivery healthcare.
“We know that we have physicians on P.E.I. today that have chosen to stay because the medical school was coming,” said Young. “We have physicians that have come to P.E.I. because the medical school was coming, and we have an incredible amount of reach out, weekly in our offices about prospective physicians.”
Young said there will be a final report released in the new year with proposed solutions to challenges faced by the school.
Among the biggest is a lack of doctors. About one in five positions on the Island are empty.
Dr. Gardam said a medical school could require double the physicians, and he worries that means doctors will have to scale back clinical work to teach, further reducing access to health care.
“It’s worrisome if we think we’re going to ram it through no matter what,” said Dr. Gardam. “It makes me feel like the medical school is a higher priority than our health-care system, and I don’t believe that that should be true.”
The medical school is set to accept its first class in fall 2025.
For more Prince Edward Island news visit our dedicated provincial page.
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
Islamic State-inspired driver expressed desire to kill before deadly New Orleans rampage, Biden says
A U.S. Army veteran driving a pickup truck that bore the flag of the Islamic State group wrought carnage on New Orleans' raucous New Year's celebration, killing 15 people as he steered around a police blockade and slammed into revellers before being shot dead by police.
Calgary woman was planning to leave husband when he killed her and her father, brother says
The brother of Ania Kaminski, who was murdered by her husband on Dec. 29, described her as one of the most amazing human beings in the world.
'Cash poor' businesswoman is worth at least $20M, can pay off mortgage debt, B.C. court rules
A Vancouver businesswoman who claimed to be too "cash poor" to pay off a roughly $3 million mortgage debt – despite having claimed a net worth in excess of $94 million as recently as 2018 – has been ordered to pay up.
Canadian man, 38, dies in avalanche in Utah mountains
Authorities in Utah say a Canadian man has died in an avalanche while snowboarding in the mountains near Salt Lake City.
An aspiring nurse, football star, single mother and father of 2 killed in New Orleans attack
Officials have not yet released the names of the 15 people killed in the New Orleans New Year's Day truck attack, but their families and friends have started sharing their stories.
Firework mortars, gas cannisters stuffed inside Tesla that exploded outside Trump's Las Vegas hotel
Firework mortars and camp fuel canisters were found stuffed into the back of the Tesla Cybertruck that exploded outside U.S. president-elect Donald Trump's Las Vegas hotel early Wednesday, killing a suspect inside the vehicle and sparking an intense investigation into possible terrorism.
Financial changes in Canada you should know about this year
There are a few changes in federal policies that could affect Canadians' finances in the new year.
Gypsy Rose Blanchard gives birth to her first baby
Gypsy Rose Blanchard, who became infamous due to her role in the killing of her abusive mother, has given birth to her first child.
Watch
Watch The next big thing in AI in 2025, according to one tech analyst
Artificial intelligence isn't done disrupting our lives and compromising online safety, tech analyst Carmi Levy says.
Toronto
-
Toronto-area hospitals welcome first babies of 2025
One of the first babies born in 2025 was delivered just four seconds after midnight at Mississauga Hospital.
-
Islamic State-inspired driver expressed desire to kill before deadly New Orleans rampage, Biden says
A U.S. Army veteran driving a pickup truck that bore the flag of the Islamic State group wrought carnage on New Orleans' raucous New Year's celebration, killing 15 people as he steered around a police blockade and slammed into revellers before being shot dead by police.
-
Toronto police investigating after shooting victim walks into hospital with life-threatening injuries
Toronto police are investigating after a shooting victim walked into a hospital on Wednesday night.
Calgary
-
Calgary woman was planning to leave husband when he killed her and her father, brother says
The brother of Ania Kaminski, who was murdered by her husband on Dec. 29, described her as one of the most amazing human beings in the world.
-
2 charged with first-degree murder in Lethbridge motel death
Lethbridge Police have charged two people with first-degree murder, after a body was found in a southside motel room last weekend.
-
First Alberta baby of 2025 born 2 minutes into new year
Alberta's first baby of 2025 was born in Calgary two minutes into the new year, according to Health Minister Adriana LaGrange.
Edmonton
-
'Noon Year' mocktail party serves as non-alcoholic way to ring in 2025
Sober Edmontonians rung in the new year Wednesday with a "Noon Year" celebration at a mocktail bar.
-
Calgary woman was planning to leave husband when he killed her and her father, brother says
The brother of Ania Kaminski, who was murdered by her husband on Dec. 29, described her as one of the most amazing human beings in the world.
-
'You feel pretty badass': 3 fitness trends to make good on your 2025 fitness goals
If you're looking to bring the spark back into your active life, here are some of last year's popular workouts and why you may want to add them to this year's routine.
Montreal
-
Here are the changes coming to Quebec in 2025
With the new year just days away, here is a look at the changes that are in store for Quebecers in 2025.
-
Quebec City boy born exactly at midnight Jan. 1
Quebec City's first baby of the year 2025 was born at exactly midnight on Wednesday, announced the CHU de Québec-Université Laval.
-
Police investigate suspicious death after body found in Chicoutimi
Saguenay police have launched an investigation into a suspicious death after the body of a man in his thirties was discovered on Wednesday morning in Chicoutimi.
Ottawa
-
11 things that will cost you more in Ottawa in 2025
Ottawa residents will be paying more to board the bus and the O-Train, park on city streets, use City of Ottawa service and turn on the lights in 2025. CTVNewsOttawa.ca looks at 11 things that will cost you more in 2025.
-
Meet Ottawa's first baby of 2025
The Ottawa Hospital says a baby boy named Oliver was born at the Civic Campus at 12:19 a.m. Wednesday, weighing 7 pounds and 14 ounces.
-
OPP investigating fatal crash on New Year's Day near Smiths Falls, Ont.
A 31-year-old man from Jasper, Ont. is dead following a single-vehicle crash south of Smiths Falls on New Year's Day.
London
-
32-year-old Central Huron resident dies in crash
OPP say a 32-year-old Central Huron resident has died after a two-vehicle collision in the Municipality of Huron East.
-
'Lock windows and doors': overnight shelter in place warning lifted by OPP in West Lorne
A man is in custody, and there is a no longer a “threat to public safety” for residents in West Lorne, Ont. according to provincial police.
-
First baby of 2025 revealed by London Health Sciences Centre
London Health Sciences Centre (LHSC) announced the first baby of the New Year was born at 12:05 a.m. on Wednesday.
Barrie
-
Motorists passing collision charged with distracted driving
Several motorists face charges after a pickup truck rolled into a ditch in Collingwood on Tuesday, including two drivers who weren’t involved in the crash.
-
Here's what OPP wants you to know about a new scam targeting drivers
Provincial police say there is a growing trend of fraudsters attempting to cash in on municipalities using automated photo radar programs to scam drivers through text messages.
-
Midland man accused of attempted murder, fleeing R.I.D.E. program denied bail
A 25-year-old Midland man accused of attempted murder related to an alleged hit-and-run over the summer is back behind bars after being arrested over the holidays while out on bail.
Northern Ontario
-
Islamic State-inspired driver expressed desire to kill before deadly New Orleans rampage, Biden says
A U.S. Army veteran driving a pickup truck that bore the flag of the Islamic State group wrought carnage on New Orleans' raucous New Year's celebration, killing 15 people as he steered around a police blockade and slammed into revellers before being shot dead by police.
-
Charges after transport driver in northern Ont. fixed window with duct tape
A transport truck driver has been charged after a motorist alerted police about a commercial motor vehicle that had duct tape covering the driver's side window.
-
One arrested following terrifying road rage incident on Hwy. 11 in northern Ont.
Ontario Provincial Police are asking for the public's help in investigating a road rage incident Monday on Highway 11 near Temiskaming Shores.
Kitchener
-
Heavy snow and snow squall warnings for parts of southwestern Ontario
After a weekend of mild and wet weather, winter is making its return to southwestern Ontario, with Environment Canada issuing heavy snow and snow squall warnings for Waterloo Region, Stratford, Wellington County and Brant County.
-
What’s open and what’s closed over the holidays
A detailed guide to what’s open and closed between Dec. 24 and New Year's Day.
-
Two suffering serious injuries following assault in Cambridge
Officers responded to the area of Water Street North and Dickson Street around 2 a.m. Sunday after a 24-year-old man and a 26-year-old woman were assaulted.
Windsor
-
WRH announces 'out of this world' arrival as 2025 New Year’s baby
Windsor Regional Hospital announced the first baby of 2025 arrived just over an hour past midnight.
-
Recognize her? Woman wanted for alleged retail and grocery thefts
Windsor police officers are asking for the public’s identifying a suspect wanted after thefts from a retail store and grocery store.
-
What’s open/closed on New Year’s Day 2025 in Windsor-Essex
As residents and businesses welcome a new year, here’s a look at what’s open and closed in Windsor-Essex on Jan.1, 2025.
Winnipeg
-
Maternity unit closure averted at Brandon hospital
A 24-hour disruption in maternity services at Brandon Regional Health Centre has been averted after the hospital managed to secure medical provider coverage.
-
Winnipeg, Brandon welcome first babies of 2025
On Wednesday, just two minutes after the clock struck midnight, Winnipeg welcomed its first bundle of joy of the new year.
-
Winnipeg crews fight flames in two structure fires
As Winnipeg entered a new year, emergency crews were called to the scene of two fires late Tuesday evening and early Wednesday morning.
Regina
-
New Year's Day Levee returns to Government House
Government House of Saskatchewan opened its doors to the public once again for the annual New Year's Day Levee on Wednesday.
-
Here are the top feel-good stories of Sask. in 2024
Unpleasant headlines often dominate the news and 2024 was no exception. Despite the darkness, some stories always emerge to attempt to show humanity at its brightest.
-
Regina welcomes first baby of 2025
Regina’s first baby of 2025 is a girl.
Saskatoon
-
Saskatoon mayor optimistic about what's to come, despite challenges
As Saskatoon welcomes 2025, Mayor Cynthia Block begins the year with optimism, reflecting on 2024's accomplishments.
-
Sask. women between 47 and 49 now eligible for breast cancer screening
More Saskatchewan women are now able to access breast cancer screening as the province takes a phased approach to lower age eligibility.
-
Here are the top feel-good stories of Sask. in 2024
Unpleasant headlines often dominate the news and 2024 was no exception. Despite the darkness, some stories always emerge to attempt to show humanity at its brightest.
Vancouver
-
'Cash poor' businesswoman is worth at least $20M, can pay off mortgage debt, B.C. court rules
A Vancouver businesswoman who claimed to be too "cash poor" to pay off a roughly $3 million mortgage debt – despite having claimed a net worth in excess of $94 million as recently as 2018 – has been ordered to pay up.
-
8 impaired drivers caught on New Year's morning in Abbotsford, B.C., police say
For some partiers in B.C.'s Fraser Valley, New Year's Eve celebrations lasted well into Wednesday morning – until police pulled them off the road for drunk driving.
-
B.C. teen with Canada's first human case of avian flu no longer in ICU
The B.C. teenager who became infected with Canada's first human case of H5N1 avian influenza was transferred out of intensive care and taken off supplemental oxygen last month.
Vancouver Island
-
B.C. teen with Canada's first human case of avian flu no longer in ICU
The B.C. teenager who became infected with Canada's first human case of H5N1 avian influenza was transferred out of intensive care and taken off supplemental oxygen last month.
-
Suspicious fire under investigation at Vancouver Island school
Emergency crews were called to douse a suspicious fire that broke out at a school in the Vancouver Island community of Duncan on New Year's Eve.
-
BC Ferries cancels 6 New Year's Day sailings due to 'mechanical difficulty'
For the second day in a row, BC Ferries has cancelled sailings to and from Horseshoe Bay due to a "mechanical difficulty."
Kelowna
-
Kamloops couple delivers B.C.'s first baby of 2025
B.C.'s first baby of 2025 was born just after midnight at Royal Inland Hospital in Kamloops.
-
B.C. team building 100 beaver 'starter homes' in the name of wetland preservation
More than 70 manmade beaver dams have been installed in Interior waterways since the B.C. Wildlife Federation project launched last year with the goal of building 100 dams by the end of 2025.
-
B.C. man charged with drug trafficking and weapons offences after CBSA investigation
A resident of B.C.'s Interior has been charged with weapon and drug trafficking offences after an investigation launched by border agents at Vancouver International Airport earlier this year.
