Dr. Alexa Caturay appointed as Peel Region Medical Officer of Health

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BRAMPTON, ON (Jun. 15, 2026) – Peel Region is pleased to announce the appointment of Dr. Alexa Caturay as Medical Officer of Health, effective June 15, 2026.

In this role, Dr. Caturay will oversee program delivery and support collaboration with partners across Peel Region’s Health Services portfolio. Her background aligns with Peel Region’s strategic focus on equity, partnership, and maintaining a resilient public health system.
Dr. Caturay brings extensive leadership experience from Hastings Prince Edward, Windsor Essex, and Toronto Public Health. Her previous portfolios include leading multi-partner initiatives involving hospitals, primary care, community organizations, researchers, and people with lived experience. She has worked extensively on health and homelessness, infection prevention and control in congregate settings, and planning for major events.

“Dr. Caturay’s unique experience, insights, and track record of collaboration adds renewed commitment to promoting health equity together with health colleagues across Health Services departments and our community partners,” said Nancy Polisinelli, Commissioner of Health Services. “As a senior public health administrator, we look forward to Dr. Caturay’s leadership in delivering continuous improvements that support health and well-being within Peel’s rapidly growing and diverse population.”

Leadership that aligns with emerging needs

This leadership transition comes as Peel Public Health releases its 2025 Annual Report, underscoring both the strong service impact last year and the growing complexity of public health demands. These demands include more challenging communicable disease cases, a resurgence of vaccine preventable illnesses, longer wait times for infant feeding and seniors’ dental care, and rising inspection demands.

With thanks to the support of Peel Regional Council, Peel Public Health delivered notable results in 2025.

Key achievements included:

• Monitoring more than 17,000 disease cases to support timely response.
• Administering over 80,000 vaccines in schools and community clinics.
• Completing nearly 20,000 inspections across food premises, childcare, personal services, and other settings.
• Screening more than 70,000 children for dental issues.
• Distributing over 13,000 naloxone kits.
• Expanding infant feeding support by 60%.
• Opening a new sexual health clinic in partnership with Moyo Health and Community Services.
• Reducing outbreaks in long term care through strengthened infection prevention and control.
• Enhancing school mental health promotion programming.
• Launching a community led maternal health partnership.

These results reflect a strong partnership between Peel Regional Council, staff, and community organizations, and a shared commitment to improving health outcomes for Peel residents.

2026 priorities: stability and preparedness

“There is important work ahead, and I’m eager to help ensure Peel remains a place where strong public health systems support our community,” said Dr. Caturay, Medical Officer of Health, Peel Region. “I’m delighted to work alongside our teams and community partners to strengthen the foundations of public health in Peel region.” 

Peel Public Health’s 2026 focus includes:

• Maintaining core services for residents across all stages of life.
• Strengthening emergency and outbreak preparedness.
• Enhancing services through continuous improvement and readiness for updated provincial standards.

These priorities will guide the transition to new leadership and support Peel’s long-term vision for healthier, safer communities.

Resources

• 2025 Peel Public Health Annual Report
• Peel Public Health Strategic Plan