The head of the National Microbiology Laboratory in Winnipeg has announced his resignation.
The Public Health Agency of Canada said Thursday Dr. Guillaume Poliquin will step down as vice-president laboratory on Aug. 2.
Mark Johnson, a spokesman for the Public Health Agency of Canada, said Poliquin wants to “focus more on his medical work, including a new role at the College of Physicians and Surgeons of Manitoba.”
RUTH BONNEVILLE / FREE PRESS FILES
Dr. Guillaume Poliquin
Poliquin could not be reached for comment.
Johnson said Dr. Howard Njoo will temporarily take over the position while a competitive hiring process was launched this week.
The job notice says the position carries an annual salary of $217,308 to $271,700 depending on qualifications and experience.
The notice says the successful candidate “must be eligible to obtain and maintain a top-secret clearance issued by the government of Canada.”
Research security at the lab has been called into question in recent years after two scientists were fired in 2021 because of questions about their loyalty and potential to be coerced by China.
Documents tabled in Parliament earlier this year said the scientists, Xiangguo Qiu, and her husband Keding Cheng, downplayed their collaborations with Chinese government agencies.
RCMP continue to investigate the matter and the PHAC has said it has bolstered lab security since the incident became known.
A college spokeswoman said Poliquin will begin work as its new assistant registrar in the complaints and investigations department on Aug. 6.
The spokeswoman said Poliquin will replace Dr. Karen Bullock Pries, who will retire June 30 after 14 years in the role. An interim director will oversee the department throughout July.
Johnson said Poliquin has headed the lab “with distinction for four years and PHAC is grateful to him for his service.
“PHAC wishes Dr. Poliquin the very best in his future endeavours and we know what he will continue to excel in his new role,” he said.
kevin.rollason@freepress.mb.ca
Kevin Rollason
Reporter
Kevin Rollason is a general assignment reporter at the Free Press. He graduated from Western University with a Masters of Journalism in 1985 and worked at the Winnipeg Sun until 1988, when he joined the Free Press. He has served as the Free Press’s city hall and law courts reporter and has won several awards, including a National Newspaper Award. Read more about Kevin.
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