Dr. Penny Ballem

Dr. Ballem is a clinical professor of medicine at the University of British Columbia and a fellow of the Canadian Academy of Health Sciences. She has had a 35-year career as a health leader and academic clinician in British Columbia. She served as the Deputy Minister of Health from 2001 to 2006. She then served as Vancouver city manager from 2008 to 2015.

She was appointed Chair VCH in January 2019. She led the Covid-19 vaccination programme in BC, working alongside Minister Dix and Dr. Henry. In 2023 she was appointed by Premier Eby to the position of Health Advocate for BC.

She has extensive board experience, having served on public sector, non-profit and private sector boards. She has received significant professional and public recognition for her work in medicine and public service, including the Queen’s Golden Jubilee Medal for public service, an honourary degree from SFU in 2022, and the Order of BC in 2023.

She advises governments across Canada on health policy, health systems and health human resources.