Dr. Joss Reimer, newly appointed chief public health officer of Canada, has identified addressing health misinformation and restoring public confidence as her primary objectives. In her first interview following the announcement of her three-year tenure, the Manitoba native emphasised the urgent need for the federal government to adopt proactive strategies to counteract the rapid spread of false health information.
Addressing Misinformation in Health
Reimer highlighted the alarming pace at which health misinformation evolves, noting, “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.” This challenge has been compounded by a significant erosion of trust in institutions during the COVID-19 pandemic, a period marked by widespread job losses and social isolation.
Reflecting on the tumultuous times, she stated, “Because there was so much difficulty — people were losing jobs and income, people were being separated from loved ones. And whether or not those were right decisions, it was hard.” Rebuilding this trust is not a quick fix; Reimer acknowledged it would require a sustained effort over several years.
A Critical Moment for Public Health
The pandemic thrust public health officials like Dr. Theresa Tam, Reimer’s predecessor, into the national spotlight, as she provided near-daily updates to Canadians grappling with shifting public health guidelines. Following Tam’s retirement in June after an eight-year tenure, Reimer steps into her role at a crucial juncture. Health Minister Marjorie Michel noted that the country faces a resurgence of vaccine-preventable diseases, including measles, alongside threats from avian influenza A (H5N1), HIV, tuberculosis, and the ongoing impacts of the illegal drug crisis.
Reimer brings valuable experience from her time as the chief medical officer for the Winnipeg health authority, where she played a pivotal role in the province’s vaccine rollout during the pandemic. Her firsthand experience with the measles outbreak, particularly in her hometown, gives her a unique perspective on the challenges of vaccine hesitancy.
The Measles Crisis and Vaccine Hesitancy
Canada’s recent loss of measles elimination status, which it had maintained since 1998, has alarmed public health experts. Reimer remarked, “It’s not a shock that measles cases are on the rise, given how ‘incredibly infectious’ the disease is and given that there is more misinformation and more vaccine hesitancy.”
The ongoing outbreak underscores the urgent necessity for community engagement and partnerships to counteract vaccine hesitancy and promote accurate health information. She stressed the importance of collaboration from local community leaders to federal authorities in addressing these issues effectively.
A Unified Approach to Public Health
In her vision for public health, Reimer asserts that Canada must stand independently in sharing reliable health information, particularly in light of diminishing trust in American health institutions. “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, indicating a balanced approach to cross-border collaboration.
Reimer holds a master’s degree in public health and has an extensive background in researching sexually transmitted diseases and drug-related harms. 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.”
Looking Ahead
As Reimer prepares to officially begin her term on April 1, her track record as a former president of the Canadian Medical Association, where she advocated against false health information and sought to improve access to care, signals a promising start. Dr. Margot Burnell, the current CMA president, praised Reimer for her calm and measured leadership during the pandemic, reinforcing the expectation that she will continue to be a steady voice in public health.
Why it Matters
The appointment of Dr. Joss Reimer as chief public health officer comes at a critical time for Canada, as the nation grapples with health misinformation and declining vaccination rates. Her commitment to rebuilding trust and combating false narratives is essential not only for addressing current public health challenges but also for fostering a more informed and resilient society moving forward. In an era where misinformation can spread like wildfire, the role of public health leaders like Reimer will be pivotal in guiding Canadians toward healthier choices and restoring faith in health institutions.
