Canada’s New Chief Public Health Officer Prioritizes Combating Misinformation, Rebuilding Trust

OTTAWA — Dr. Joss Reimer officially begins her three-year term as Canada’s Chief Public Health Officer on April 1, 2026, with a clear mandate: to address the growing challenge of health misinformation and restore public trust in health institutions. Her appointment, announced February 20, 2026, by Health Minister Marjorie Michel, comes at a critical time for Canada’s public health landscape.

Addressing the Rise of Misinformation

Dr. Reimer emphasized the need for a proactive approach to counter false health narratives, noting their rapid evolution. “One of the biggest challenges with health misinformation is how quickly it evolves, because it doesn’t take much time to craft up a lie,” she stated in an interview. She plans to leverage empathy in public health messaging, recognizing that dismissing people’s opinions can reinforce their beliefs.

Rebuilding Public Trust

Acknowledging the erosion of trust during the COVID-19 pandemic, Dr. Reimer recognizes that rebuilding this trust will be a long-term process. She noted the significant disruptions experienced by Canadians during the pandemic, including job losses, income insecurity, and social isolation, and understands the need to address the concerns arising from these experiences. “We have a lot to do to rebuild trust, and it will take years,” she said.

Experience and Background

Dr. Reimer brings extensive experience to the role, having previously served as Chief Medical Officer of the Winnipeg Regional Health Authority and as the medical lead for Manitoba’s COVID-19 Vaccination Program Implementation Task Force as reported by CBC News. She also served as President of the Canadian Medical Association (CMA) until 2025 according to the CMA. During her time at the CMA, she led efforts to combat false health information and advocate for improved access to care.

Current Public Health Challenges

Health Minister Michel highlighted several pressing public health issues facing Canada, including a resurgence of vaccine-preventable diseases like measles, threats from avian influenza A(H5N1), ongoing challenges with HIV and tuberculosis, the impacts of the illegal drug crisis, and the pervasive influence of health misinformation as stated in the Government of Canada announcement. Dr. Reimer specifically noted her concern regarding the measles outbreak, particularly in communities where vaccine hesitancy exists.

International Collaboration and Canadian Sovereignty

Dr. Reimer emphasized the importance of Canada establishing itself as a reliable source of health information, particularly in light of concerns about the reliability of information from U.S. Institutions. While acknowledging the value of continued collaboration with American colleagues, she stressed the need for Canada to stand on its own two feet and ensure the integrity of its public health messaging.

Commitment to Reconciliation

Dr. Reimer’s commitment extends beyond public health crises. As President of the CMA, she delivered a formal apology to Indigenous peoples for the harms caused by the medical profession, marking a significant step towards reconciliation in healthcare as noted by the CMA.

Dr. Reimer’s appointment is widely supported within the medical community. Margot Burnell, current president of the CMA, described Dr. Reimer as a source of “calm and sanity” during the pandemic.