Dr. Joss Reimer has been appointed as Canada’s chief public health officer, taking the reins at a pivotal moment for the nation’s health landscape. With a pressing need to combat health misinformation and restore public confidence, Reimer, a Manitoba native, is determined to lead a proactive campaign against the rapid spread of false information that has become increasingly prevalent in recent years.
Prioritising Health Misinformation
In her first interview since the announcement of her three-year term, Reimer emphasised the importance of addressing the challenges presented by health misinformation. “One of the biggest challenges with health misinformation is the speed at which it changes,” she stated. “It doesn’t take much time to come up with a lie.” This observation underscores the urgency with which the government must act to provide accurate health information and counteract damaging narratives.
Reimer also acknowledged the significant decline in trust experienced during the COVID-19 pandemic. She reflected on the hardships faced by Canadians, including job losses and social isolation, stating, “Whether or not those were right decisions, it was hard. And so we have a lot of trust-building that we’re going to need to do that’s going to take years.”
Learning from the Pandemic
The pandemic thrust public health officials into the public eye, with Dr. Theresa Tam, Reimer’s predecessor, becoming a household name as she provided near-daily updates on the evolving health crisis. After eight years in the role, Tam retired in June, leaving behind a complex legacy. Reimer, who served as the chief medical officer for the Winnipeg health authority and led the COVID-19 vaccination task force, is well-acquainted with the pressures and responsibilities that come with such visibility.
Minister of Health Marjorie Michel highlighted the crucial timing of Reimer’s appointment, pointing out that Canada is facing a resurgence of preventable diseases, including measles, alongside threats from avian influenza A (H5N1), HIV, and tuberculosis. The ongoing opioid crisis and the detrimental effects of misinformation further complicate the public health landscape.
The Measles Outbreak and Vaccine Hesitancy
Reimer brings a unique perspective to the current measles outbreak, having witnessed the effects of vaccine hesitancy firsthand in her small-town community. “We need to have partnerships from on the ground, from community leaders all the way up to the federal government,” she stated, recognising the importance of collaborative efforts to address these public health challenges.
The measles outbreak has now persisted long enough for Canada to lose its elimination status, a situation that alarms health experts across the nation. Reimer noted the disease’s highly infectious nature and the alarming rise in misinformation and vaccine hesitancy, stating, “It’s not a shock that measles cases are on the rise.”
A Call for Trustworthy Information
In December, Minister Michel expressed concerns about the reliability of American health institutions for Canadian audiences, citing the detrimental effects of misinformation propagated during the Trump administration. Reimer echoed this sentiment, stressing the need for Canada to stand firm in sharing trustworthy information. “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 remarked.
With a master’s degree in public health and a research background in sexually transmitted diseases and drug-related harms, Reimer is well-equipped for the challenges ahead. 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.”
The Legacy of Leadership
Reimer’s previous role as president of the Canadian Medical Association included a significant moment in which she formally apologised to Indigenous Peoples for historical harms caused by the medical profession. Current CMA president Dr. Margot Burnell praised Reimer’s calm and measured leadership during the pandemic, highlighting her efforts to combat misinformation and advocate for equitable access to healthcare.
As Dr. Reimer prepares to begin her tenure on April 1, the path ahead is clear. She is set to navigate the complexities of a public health landscape that demands resilience, transparency, and collaboration.
Why it Matters
The appointment of Dr. Joss Reimer comes at a critical juncture for public health in Canada. The dual challenges of misinformation and the erosion of trust threaten not only individual health outcomes but also the collective well-being of communities. As Reimer embarks on this significant journey, her leadership will play a crucial role in rebuilding trust and ensuring that Canadians have access to accurate health information. In an era where public health is often scrutinised, her proactive approach could set a new standard for how health information is communicated and understood in the future.