Misinformation a Major Priority for Canada’s Incoming Chief Public Health Officer

Dr. Joss Reimer, Manitoba’s leading public health figure, has identified combating misinformation as a central focus of her upcoming tenure as Canada’s chief public health officer, a position she will assume on April 1.

The announcement comes as health authorities worldwide continue to grapple with the persistent challenge of health-related misinformation, which has significantly complicated pandemic response efforts and vaccination campaigns over recent years.

“Building and maintaining public trust in science-based health information will be at the core of my mandate,” Dr. Reimer stated during her first press conference since the appointment was announced. “The proliferation of misleading health information undermines our ability to protect Canadians effectively.”

Dr. Reimer, who previously served as president of the Canadian Medical Association, brings substantial experience in public health communications to the role. During her leadership in Manitoba’s health system, she gained national recognition for her clear, transparent approach to communicating complex health information during critical periods.

The appointment marks a significant transition in Canada’s public health leadership. Dr. Reimer will succeed the current chief public health officer on a three-year term, taking the helm of the Public Health Agency of Canada at a time when health systems continue to recover from the stresses of recent global health challenges.

Health policy experts have welcomed the focus on misinformation. Dr. Timothy Caulfield, Canada Research Chair in Health Law and Policy at the University of Alberta, described the emphasis as “timely and necessary.”

“The infodemic—the flood of both accurate and inaccurate information—has created enormous challenges for public health,” Caulfield explained. “Having leadership that prioritizes evidence-based communication is essential for future health emergencies.”

The issue of health misinformation became particularly pronounced during the COVID-19 pandemic, when false claims about vaccines, treatments, and public health measures spread rapidly through social media channels and other platforms. Studies have shown that exposure to such misinformation correlated with lower vaccination rates and reduced compliance with public health measures.

Dr. Reimer’s approach is expected to involve collaboration with digital platforms, media organizations, and community leaders to develop strategies that elevate credible health information. She has previously advocated for a whole-of-society approach that engages diverse stakeholders rather than solely relying on government messaging.

“Effective public health communication requires more than just presenting facts,” Dr. Reimer noted in a recent academic publication. “It requires understanding the social and cultural contexts in which information spreads, and adapting our approaches accordingly.”

The Public Health Agency of Canada has been developing new resources for combating misinformation, including digital literacy programs and partnerships with educational institutions. Dr. Reimer is expected to expand these initiatives while developing new frameworks for rapid response during health emergencies.

Industry observers note that the emphasis on tackling misinformation represents a broader shift in public health practice, which increasingly recognizes information management as a critical component of health security.

“The next major health crisis may well be determined not just by the pathogen itself, but by how information about it spreads,” said Dr. Emily Wilson, director of the Centre for Health Communication at McGill University. “Dr. Reimer’s focus acknowledges this new reality.”

The Manitoba native’s appointment comes after an extensive national search. Her background includes significant work in vaccine rollout programs and community health initiatives in underserved regions, experiences that colleagues suggest have prepared her for the national stage.

The three-year appointment begins April 1, 2026, giving Dr. Reimer time to develop transition plans from her current Manitoba position while preparing for the national role. Health Minister’s office has confirmed that a formal introduction of priorities and strategic plans will follow shortly after she assumes the position.

As Canada’s top doctor, Dr. Reimer will be responsible for providing advice to the government on health matters, leading public health emergency responses, and representing Canada in international health forums, including the World Health Organization.