Dr. Perry Kendall, OC, OBC, LLD (Hon) is a leading Canadian public health expert with extensive experience in epidemiology and health policy. He served as British Columbia’s Provincial Health Officer from 1999 to 2018, shaping the province’s public health landscape. Previously, he was the Medical Health Officer for Toronto and Victoria and CEO of the Addiction Research Foundation of Ontario.

Perry is known for his work on the opioid epidemic, advocating for harm reduction measures like supervised injection sites and improved access to treatment. He has advanced legislation on emergency contraception, HIV/AIDS reporting, and harm reduction in substance use. His policy work has influenced health frameworks addressing substance use and mental health.

An accomplished evidence informed practitioner, Perry has published widely on topics including communicable diseases, vaccination, and public health ethics. He has advised governments, public health agencies, and NGOs on health policy and emergency response.

Perry has received numerous awards, including the Order of Canada, the Queen’s Diamond Jubilee Award, the Order of British Columbia, and the Legacy Premier’s Award, and received an honorary Doctorate in Law from the University of Victoria.