Robert Strang

Robert Strang (born 1959) is a Canadian physician and the chief medical officer for the province of Nova Scotia. Before becoming a doctor, Strang played rugby union for the Canada men's national rugby union team until retiring in 1991.

Early life, rugby union career, and education Born in Southern Rhodesia, now Zimbabwe, Strang and his family moved to Fredericton, New Brunswick when he was five years old. Strang began playing rugby union in high school and played for the University of British Columbia's rugby team. He later played in New Zealand, but returned to Canada in the early 1980s to play for the Canada men's national rugby union team. While on the team, he played against the England national rugby union team at Twickenham Stadium. Strang retired as a player in 1991. He also received from UBC a Bachelor of Science and Bachelor of Physical Education.

Medical career In 1994, Strang became a team doctor for the Canada men's national rugby union team. and misinformation related to the COVID-19 pandemic. In 2018, he was with Theresa Tam the co-chair of the special advisory committee on the epidemic of opioid overdoses in Canada.

COVID-19 pandemic Since 15 March 2020, Strang has provided daily updates on the COVID-19 pandemic in Nova Scotia. He became Nova Scotia's public health lead communicator on matters related to the COVID-19 pandemic in Nova Scotia. In daily press conferences, he provides updates on the COVID-19 pandemic and the public health effort to respond to it.

In December 2020, Strang was awarded the Lieutenant-Governor's Award for Excellence in Public Administration for his work during the pandemic.

Personal life A married father of three, Strang has been living in Nova Scotia since 1999 and is a resident of the Halifax Regional Municipality. Strang was born with a cleft lip and cleft palate. Despite being retired from playing rugby union, Strang still referees matches. Strang became known for his tie collection during the COVID-19 pandemic in Nova Scotia, wearing a different tie to every briefing; a tree decorated with some of his ties raised $8250 at a charity auction for the Mental Health Foundation of Nova Scotia in December 2020.