The Laurentides public health authority is preparing for a major transition as Dr. Éric Goyer, one of the region’s most influential health leaders, concludes his mandate after more than two decades of service.
In a statement issued Monday, the Centre intégré de santé et de services sociaux (CISSS) des Laurentides confirmed that Dr. Goyer will step down as Director of Public Health on December 1, 2025, after choosing not to seek a renewal of his mandate.
A Career Marked by Crisis Leadership and Community Commitment
Dr. Goyer has spent over 25 years working in public health in the Laurentides, including 14 years at the helm of the region’s public health department. His leadership became especially prominent during the COVID-19 pandemic, when the region, one of Quebec’s fastest-growing, faced unprecedented pressures on its health system, social services, and vulnerable populations.
Julie Delaney, President and CEO of the CISSS des Laurentides, praised Dr. Goyer’s “remarkable commitment, leadership and dedication,” noting the “colossal” amount of work he carried out during the pandemic and through numerous public health challenges.
“His sense of duty and his unwavering commitment to the well-being of our communities have deeply inspired our teams,” Delaney said.
Beyond emergency response, Dr. Goyer helped strengthen preventive health initiatives, community health outreach, and environmental health strategies—areas that have become increasingly important amid Quebec’s climate-related health concerns and demographic shifts.
Interim Director Named: Dr. Gabrielle Bureau
To ensure continuity, the CISSS announced the appointment of Dr. Gabrielle Bureau as interim Director of Public Health.
Dr. Bureau has served as a medical advisor within the Laurentides public health department since 2018 and brings a strong academic and professional background. She holds:
- a medical degree,
- a master’s in community health,
- and a specialist certification in public health and preventive medicine from Université Laval.
Her work in the region has touched several critical portfolios, including environmental health, emergency preparedness, municipal health planning, COVID-19 response, and climate-change mitigation strategies.
In her interim role, Dr. Bureau intends to “continue the mission” of Dr. Goyer, protecting and improving public health through prevention, promotion, crisis monitoring, and close surveillance of health trends affecting Laurentides residents.
Delaney expressed confidence in her appointment, calling Dr. Bureau a physician of “great expertise” and emphasizing the importance of maintaining momentum in public health protection during a period of transition.
A Region at a Crossroads
The leadership change comes as the Laurentides faces ongoing demographic growth, increased climate-related health risks, and rising demand for preventive public health measures. The incoming interim director will inherit files that range from emergency preparedness to long-term community health planning.
As Dr. Goyer steps away after a career that helped shape the region’s health landscape, the CISSS publicly thanked him for his years of service, emphasizing the significant mark he leaves on institutions and communities across the Laurentides.
Dr. Bureau will assume her new role on December 1.
