Dr. Joss Reimer, a seasoned healthcare leader from Manitoba, has been appointed as Canada’s new chief public health officer, a role she will officially begin on April 1. In her inaugural interview following the announcement, Dr. Reimer emphasised the urgent need to address the growing tide of health misinformation and to rebuild public trust in health institutions, particularly in the wake of the COVID-19 pandemic.
Addressing the Challenge of Misinformation
Dr. Reimer highlighted the rapid evolution of health misinformation as one of her most significant challenges. “One of the biggest challenges with health misinformation is the speed at which it changes,” she remarked. “It doesn’t take much time to fabricate a lie.” This constant flux poses a formidable barrier to public health efforts and communication strategies.
The pandemic has undoubtedly shaken public confidence in various institutions, including healthcare. Dr. Reimer acknowledged the considerable toll the pandemic took on Canadians, with many facing unemployment, isolation from loved ones, and uncertainty about health directives. “There was so much difficulty — people were losing jobs and income, people were being separated from loved ones,” she explained, noting that rebuilding trust will be a long-term undertaking requiring dedicated effort.
A Legacy of Public Health Leadership
Dr. Reimer steps into this pivotal role following the retirement of Dr. Theresa Tam, who gained widespread recognition for her transparent communication during the pandemic. Dr. Reimer herself played an active role as the chief medical officer for the Winnipeg health authority and led Manitoba’s COVID-19 vaccination task force.
Health Minister Marjorie Michel acknowledged the critical nature of Dr. Reimer’s appointment, citing the resurgence of vaccine-preventable diseases, including measles, and the ongoing impacts of the illegal drug crisis. “Canada is facing a resurgence of vaccine-preventable diseases such as measles, the threats posed by avian influenza A (H5N1), HIV and tuberculosis, and the harmful impacts of false health information,” she stated.
The Measles Crisis and Community Engagement
Dr. Reimer’s insights into the measles outbreak are particularly relevant, given her background in a community experiencing vaccine hesitancy. Reflecting on this, she noted the importance of forging partnerships at all levels, from grassroots community leaders to federal authorities. “We need to have partnerships from on the ground, from community leaders all the way up to the federal government,” she said.
The ongoing outbreak has led Canada to lose its measles elimination status, a worrying development that mirrors similar risks faced by the United States and Mexico. Dr. Reimer pointed out that the highly contagious nature of measles, combined with increased misinformation and vaccine hesitancy, has contributed to this alarming trend.
Rebuilding Trust and Strengthening Collaborations
Dr. Reimer believes that Canada must rely on its own resources to disseminate reliable health information. While she acknowledged the contributions of American health institutions, she stressed the need for Canada to establish its credibility. “I know that there are still really amazing people in the American system doing wonderful work, and so I think that there’s a lot of ways that we can continue to work together,” she added.
Her commitment to addressing these issues is backed by her extensive experience, including her past presidency of the Canadian Medical Association, where she advocated for better access to healthcare and addressed the harms inflicted upon Indigenous Peoples by the medical profession.
Why it Matters
Dr. Joss Reimer’s leadership comes at a crucial time for Canada’s public health landscape. The dual challenges of misinformation and vaccine hesitancy threaten not only individual well-being but also the broader health of communities. By prioritising trust-building and proactive communication, Dr. Reimer aims to restore confidence in public health measures. Her approach signifies a shift towards a more collaborative and informed public health strategy, essential for safeguarding the health of Canadians in a complex and rapidly changing world.
