Message from the Registrar & CEO

D.A. (Gus) Grant, AB, LLB, MD, CCFP, ICD.D
Registrar & CEO

In April, the largest mass murder in Canadian history devastated so many on our shores. Nova Scotians are still working their way forward  after this violence. Our condolences extend to all those affected by this senseless tragedy. Our thanks go to those in law enforcement and first responders for their heroism.

COVID-19 remains the dominant issue facing Nova Scotians and the physicians that care for them. On behalf of many, the College is grateful for the work being done by all healthcare workers.


COVID-19 remains the dominant issue facing Nova Scotians and the physicians that care for them. On behalf of many, the College is grateful for the work being done by all healthcare workers.


Even in the wake of this tragedy, COVID-19 remains the dominant issue facing Nova Scotians and the physicians that care for them. As the pandemic peaks, and as we await the development of a vaccine or treatment, front-line healthcare professionals are working to meet the demands of these uncertain times. On behalf of many, the College is grateful for the work being done by all healthcare workers. 

The College is grateful to our public, which has embraced the direction from our public health leaders, blunting the spike of cases through hygiene and social distancing. There is growing optimism that the curve is flattening and our system will not be overwhelmed. 

There will be learnings from COVID-19.  When some form of normalcy returns, medicine will not be the same. It is reasonable to expect that there will more virtual medicine, even higher regard for public health, and perhaps increased vigilance about infection.  I hope that COVID-19 will accelerate changes in regulation too, so that physicians can move more freely between provinces, with more consistency between provinces regarding licensure and scope of practice.

It is hard to see around all the corners. Whatever the new normal looks like and whenever it arrives, be assured that the College will continue to lean into the issues that affect public safety and the regulation of medicine. 

Peace and safety.