Administrator who oversees Nova Scotia Health doing job from Ontario

The woman responsible for overseeing Nova Scotia Health has been carrying out her duties from Ontario, where she relocated in July.

Health Minister Michelle Thompson does not believe that Janet Davidson's move three provinces away affects her ability to perform her nearly $200,000-per-year job.

"I don't believe it does," said Thompson. "We certainly have many virtual options, and there are times, even within the province, when we meet virtually for convenience."

Davidson was appointed by Premier Tim Houston in September 2021 during a significant restructuring of Nova Scotia Health, which included firing the entire board of directors. At the time, Houston also replaced CEO Brendan Carr with Karen Oldfield, a political appointee who continues to serve as "interim" CEO.

Health minister defends contract renewal
Davidson was the chair of the board before it was dissolved. In 2019, under the previous Liberal government, she was appointed interim CEO, and she previously served as a deputy minister in Alberta.

On Wednesday, Thompson defended the decision to extend Davidson’s annual contract.

"We believe it's important to retain her, not only because of her credentials but also due to her historical knowledge of Nova Scotia," Thompson said, describing Davidson as a "thought leader" who is "highly respected both nationally and internationally."

"She's been with us since this new structure began, and we trust her. We want her to continue in this role."

However, Nova Scotia's opposition leaders disagree.

Liberal Leader Zach Churchill, who appointed Davidson as chair of the board in March 2021, questioned the logic behind renewing her contract as administrator.

'How can you do that remotely?'
"Janet is certainly qualified, but if you're going to lead our health-care system, you need to know what’s happening on the ground," said Churchill.

"You need to be able to observe patient experiences and talk to health-care professionals and doctors about what’s happening in their clinics and hospital rooms. How can you do that remotely?"

Churchill added that the decision seemed hypocritical, especially given the Houston government's directive requiring public servants to return to their offices to better serve the public.

NDP Leader Claudia Chender shared a similar sentiment when informed of Davidson’s arrangement.