Interior Health records indicate former chief medical health officer paid $361K in last year

KAMLOOPS — Public records from Interior Health indicate its former chief medical health officer Dr. Albert De Villiers was still employed and being paid until at least May, despite being charged with multiple child sex crimes.

Since the financial report was written on May 30, 2022, De Villiers has been charged with additional sex crimes. It’s not known whether the latest charges have impacted his employment status at Interior Health.

The records state Dr. De Villiers received $361,656 in the 2021-22 fiscal year, which ended in March 31, 2022. He was first charged for child sex crimes in Grande Prairie, Alberta in June 2021.

The figures include $189,958 in salary, $22,860 in benefits, $27,267 in pension, and $90,094 in paid leave.

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Dr. De Villiers was only in the chief medical health officer role from August 2020 to June 2021 when he was arrested in Kelowna. Interior Health’s records indicate he was then on a general paid leave from June 9, 2021 until October 3, 2021.

“Upon return to work on October 4, 2021, he has been reassigned to project MHO duties,” noted the financial statement.

Interior Health could not clarify De Villier’s current employment status.

“We are not able to provide further information due to privacy obligations and the fact this matter is before the courts,” Interior Health stated via email to CFJC Today.

De Villiers’ trial has been set for January 2023 in Alberta.