Morrison, Dr. Heather G.

Dr. Heather Morrison was appointed Chief Public Health Officer of PEI, Canada in 2007. As Prince Edward Island’s first female Rhodes Scholar, she completed Master’s and Doctoral degrees at the University of Oxford. She returned to Canada for her medical degree from Dalhousie University, followed by specialist training in Public Health at the University of Toronto. Dr Morrison has completed a Master's certificate in Physician Leadership from Schulich Business School at York as well as completing a certificate program in Media & Medicine from Harvard Medical School.

As Chief Public Health Officer, Dr Morrison has provided steady, trusted and visionary public health leadership during public health emergencies such as the COVID-19 global pandemic as well as issues such as opioid use and chronic disease risk factors.  Dr Morrison chaired the Canadian Council of Chief Medical Officers of Health for 5 years and has served as PEI’s representative on the Public Health Network Council of Canada and its Special Advisory Committees. 

Described by one well-known local broadcaster as “grace under pressure”, Dr Morrison is known for her open, transparent and clear approach to decision-making, relying on the best available evidence to try to protect and promote the health of Islanders and Canadians. She considers collaboration, professionalism, respect and empathy to be the hallmarks of her approach to leadership.

Dr Morrison has been recognized with the distinguished alumni award from the University of PEI, Dalhousie University Medical Alumni award, the distinguished alumni of Canada Games Hall of Honour and an honorary Doctor of Laws from UPEI.  In recognition of her exemplary public service, she was awarded both the US Consul General’s Award for Public Service by the US State Department and the Order of PEI.

Dr Morrison lives in Charlottetown, PEI with her husband and four children.