Dr. Zahn appointed Ontario’s deputy health minister

TORONTO – Dr. Catherine Zahn (pictured) will be stepping down as President and CEO of the Centre for Addictions and Mental Health (CAMH) to take on a new role as the Deputy Minister of Health for Ontario on September 7, 2021.

Catherine began her tenure at CAMH in 2009 and has led transformational change at the hospital and throughout the mental health system during this time. Under Catherine’s leadership, CAMH has improved access to treatment and care, becoming the top mental health research centre in the country.

She helped to expand CAMH’s educational outreach to other organizations and clinicians, improving the effectiveness of the mental healthcare system throughout the province.

She also led CAMH’s transformational redevelopment, which has resulted in new, dignified and inspiring spaces.

“Catherine’s commitment to health equity and inclusion has elevated the conversation and led to the development of comprehensive actions to improve the experience of patients, families, staff and communities,” said Medhat Mahdy, chair, CAMH Board of Trustees.

“We are so grateful for her leadership and while we are sorry to see her go, we know she has an incredible wealth of experience and expertise to contribute to the Government of Ontario during this critical time for our healthcare system.”