CEO of two Ontario health systems sorry for Dominican Republic trip over holidays

A physician who is part of a group of experts that help guide Ontario’s response to COVID-19 is apologizing for travelling to the Dominican Republic over the holidays.

Dr. Tom Stewart is chief executive officer of the Niagara Health System and the St. Joseph’s Health System.

A March 16, 2020, Ministry of Health memo welcomes Stewart to the Ontario government’s Command Table that was set up to provide strategic direction to the province about the novel coronavirus outbreak.

In a release Tuesday, Brian Guest, senior vice-president at St. Joseph’s, says Stewart was on approved vacation from Dec. 18 to Jan. 05.

He says during that time Stewart travelled to the Dominican Republic.

In the release, Stewart acknowledges the trip and urges people to avoid unnecessary travel.

“I regret this non-essential travel and I’m sorry,” Stewart said in the release. “I recognize everyone should be avoiding non-essential travel now, including me.”

The release says Stewart will be self-isolating at home for two weeks.

Ontario government officials were not immediately available for comment.

Earlier Tuesday, Prime Minister Justin Trudeau expressed disappointment in federal and provincial politicians who have travelled abroad, despite months of recommendations against non-essential travel.

This report by The Canadian Press was first published Jan. 5, 2021