Dr. Joss Reimer has been appointed as Canada’s new chief public health officer, with a clear mandate to address the rampant health misinformation that has emerged in recent years. In her first interview following the announcement of her three-year term, Reimer, hailing from Manitoba, underscored the importance of the federal government’s proactive stance in combating false narratives about health.
“One of the biggest challenges with health misinformation is the speed at which it changes, because it doesn’t take a lot of time to come up with a lie,” she remarked, highlighting the urgency of her new role. Reimer’s appointment comes in the wake of a significant erosion of public trust in health institutions, a reality exacerbated by the COVID-19 pandemic.
Rebuilding Trust in Health Institutions
Reimer acknowledged the challenges faced during the pandemic, which saw many individuals losing jobs and being distanced from loved ones. “Whether or not those were right decisions, it was hard,” she stated, recognising the profound impact these experiences had on public trust. The restoration of confidence in health institutions is a long-term endeavour, one that Reimer believes could take years to achieve.
Public health officials, including Reimer’s predecessor Dr. Theresa Tam, became prominent figures as they provided critical updates on the evolving nature of public health advice. Tam retired in June after serving eight years in the role, leaving Reimer to navigate the complexities that lie ahead.
A Unique Perspective on Current Health Issues
Reimer’s prior experience includes serving as the chief medical officer for the Winnipeg health authority, where she played a pivotal role during the pandemic as the medical lead for Manitoba’s COVID-19 vaccine implementation. This background equips her with a unique insight into the health challenges currently facing Canada, particularly the resurgence of vaccine-preventable diseases such as measles.
Health Minister Marjorie Michel emphasised the critical timing of Reimer’s appointment, noting the ongoing threats from diseases like avian influenza, HIV, and tuberculosis. “We are also grappling with the impacts of the illegal drug crisis and the harmful effects of false health information,” she stated, highlighting the multifaceted nature of the public health landscape.
The Challenge of Misinformation
The measles outbreak in Canada has been particularly alarming, as the country has lost its elimination status for the disease—a distinction it held since 1998. Public health experts warn that misinformation plays a significant role in this resurgence. “It’s not a shock that measles cases are on the rise, given how incredibly infectious the disease is and the increase in vaccine hesitancy,” Reimer explained.
Addressing misinformation is not merely a matter of combating social media narratives; it extends to broader societal perceptions influenced by unreliable information sources. Reimer has called for partnerships at every level—from community leaders to federal authorities—to tackle these challenges effectively.
A Vision for the Future
In her role, Reimer intends to ensure that Canada stands firm in providing trustworthy health information. “I know that there are still really amazing people in the American system doing wonderful work, and so I think that there are a lot of ways that we can continue to work together,” she said, while also affirming the need for Canada to cultivate its own reliable health resources.
With a master’s degree in public health and a history of research focused on sexually transmitted diseases and drug-related harms, Reimer brings a wealth of knowledge to her new position. Nancy Hamzawi, president of the Public Health Agency of Canada, expressed confidence in Reimer’s leadership, stating, “At a time when strong, science-driven leadership has never been more important, I am confident that her vision and dedication will help advance the public health and well-being of Canadians.”
Leadership with Empathy
Dr. Margot Burnell, current president of the Canadian Medical Association, praised Reimer’s calm and measured leadership throughout the pandemic. “She led the fight against false health information and advocated strongly for solutions to improve access to care for everyone in Canada,” Burnell noted, emphasising Reimer’s commitment to equity in healthcare.
Reimer is set to officially begin her term on April 1, 2024, and her leadership will undoubtedly shape the landscape of public health in Canada in the years to come.
Why it Matters
Dr. Joss Reimer’s appointment comes at a crucial juncture for Canadian public health, one marked by a persistent struggle against misinformation and a pressing need to rebuild public trust. As the nation faces the dual challenges of resurgent diseases and a crisis of confidence in health information, her proactive stance and commitment to collaboration will be instrumental in safeguarding the health of Canadians. The road ahead will require not just effective communication strategies, but also a concerted effort to bridge divides and foster community partnerships, ensuring that accurate health information prevails in the public discourse.
