Incoming Chief Medical Officer Dr. Joss Reimer Aims to Combat Misinformation

Manitoba’s former chief public health officer, Dr. Joss Reimer, has been appointed as Canada’s new chief public health officer, stepping into a role where combating health misinformation will be one of her primary challenges.

Reimer, who led Manitoba’s COVID-19 vaccine implementation task force during the pandemic, will succeed Dr. Theresa Tam on June 26. Prime Minister Justin Trudeau announced the appointment Tuesday, praising Reimer’s extensive experience in public health leadership.

“The spread of misinformation is one of our biggest challenges right now in public health,” Reimer said in an interview following her appointment. She emphasized that rebuilding public trust in health institutions will be central to her approach as she assumes Canada’s top doctor position.

The 45-year-old physician brings over 16 years of public health experience to the role, having previously served as medical officer of health for the Winnipeg Regional Health Authority and chief medical officer for First Nations Health and Social Secretariat of Manitoba. Her background includes a medical degree from the University of Manitoba and a master’s in public health from Johns Hopkins University.

Reimer’s appointment comes at a critical juncture for public health in Canada, as the system continues to recover from the COVID-19 pandemic while facing emerging challenges such as the spread of mpox and concerns about avian influenza. The pandemic period saw a troubling rise in health misinformation, which Reimer believes requires innovative approaches to counter.

“We need to find better ways to communicate with people that are meaningful to them, that resonate with their values and their priorities,” she explained. Her strategy includes working closely with community leaders who have established trust with their constituencies, recognizing that government messages alone may not reach all Canadians effectively.

Health Minister Mark Holland highlighted Reimer’s expertise in managing public health crises and her communication skills as key factors in her selection. “Dr. Reimer’s exceptional leadership during the COVID-19 pandemic demonstrated her ability to navigate complex health challenges while clearly communicating with the public,” Holland stated.

During her time leading Manitoba’s vaccine rollout, Reimer became known for her transparent communication style and evidence-based approach. She regularly held press briefings to explain vaccination strategies and address public concerns, skills that will be valuable in her new national role.

The position of chief public health officer gained unprecedented visibility during the pandemic when Dr. Tam became a household name through her regular updates on COVID-19. Reimer will inherit this heightened profile as she takes on responsibilities that include advising the government on health issues and communicating directly with Canadians about public health matters.

Public health experts have welcomed Reimer’s appointment, noting her experience in Indigenous health will be particularly valuable given the health disparities that continue to affect many Indigenous communities across Canada.

“Working with First Nations communities has taught me the importance of cultural humility and recognizing that there are many different ways of understanding health,” Reimer said. She plans to apply these insights to address health inequities across various populations in Canada.

As she prepares to transition to her new role in Ottawa, Reimer acknowledged the challenges ahead but expressed optimism about collaborating with provincial and territorial health authorities to strengthen Canada’s public health systems.

“The pandemic revealed both strengths and weaknesses in our approach to public health,” she noted. “My goal is to learn from those experiences and build more resilient systems that can protect all Canadians, especially during times of crisis.”

Reimer will be the fourth person to hold the position since it was created in 2004, following Dr. Tam, who served in the role since 2017.