A Farewell to Dr. Eileen de Villa

November 18 was a day I had anticipated with a heavy heart since Dr. Eileen de Villa first announced her retirement earlier this year. That day, we sat at the table together for the final Board of Health meeting with her as our Medical Officer of Health.

My relationship with Dr. de Villa started the same way as many of us here in Toronto, seeing her and an array of colourful scarves on my television as the public face of the pandemic. There was so much we did not know about COVID-19 in 2020, beyond that it spread easily and would disrupt our lives in ways we could not predict.

In times of crisis, having a confident and reassuring voice to lead us through was critical. With information about the virus sometimes changing by the day, Dr. de Villa used her platform and experience to get us through some of the most challenging times we have faced as a city.

I would soon find a dear colleague and friend in that familiar face. Since I stepped into the role of Chair of the Board of Health, she has worked collaboratively with me, sharing her understanding of how the City can best support our residents.

Dr. de Villa has proven time and time again that she is capable of navigating us through complex situations with her leadership and knowledge. From shepherding the city through the COVID-19 pandemic, to addressing the ongoing drug toxicity crisis and managing relationships across all levels of government.These accomplishments are just a few of the many Dr. de Villa has achieved during her nearly eight years of service.

While I will miss her very much here at the City, her retirement could not be more well deserved. I wish her the best for all that is to come next.

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