Dr. Joss Reimer has been appointed as Canada’s new Chief Public Health Officer, a role which she will officially commence on April 1. With a pressing mandate to combat health misinformation and restore public trust in health institutions, Reimer acknowledges the significant challenges ahead, particularly in the wake of the COVID-19 pandemic that severely tested public health systems and public confidence.
A Call to Tackle Misinformation
In her first interview following the announcement of her three-year appointment, the Manitoba native emphasised the necessity for proactive measures by the federal government to counteract the rampant spread of health misinformation. “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,” Reimer stated.
The erosion of trust in public health advisories during the pandemic has been profound. Reimer noted, “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.” She expressed that it would take years to rebuild the trust that has been lost.
Learning from the Pandemic Experience
Reimer’s predecessor, Dr. Theresa Tam, became a familiar figure to Canadians as she provided regular updates during the pandemic. Following her retirement in June after eight years of service, Reimer steps into a role that has gained unprecedented visibility.
During her tenure as Manitoba’s Chief Medical Officer, Reimer played a key role in the province’s COVID-19 vaccine rollout. Her extensive experience equips her with a unique understanding of the ongoing challenges, particularly as Canada faces a resurgence of vaccine-preventable diseases such as measles.
Health Minister Marjorie Michel highlighted the significance of Reimer’s appointment, stating that Canada is currently confronting threats from diseases like avian influenza A (H5N1), HIV, and tuberculosis, alongside the ongoing drug crisis and pervasive false health narratives.
The Measles Crisis and Vaccine Hesitancy
Reimer’s insights into the current measles outbreak are particularly pertinent. “I come from a small town which is part of the measles outbreak, and where we have seen a fair bit of vaccine hesitancy,” she remarked. This situation is alarming, especially since Canada has lost its measles elimination status, a benchmark it had maintained since 1998. The implications of this loss extend beyond Canada, as both the United States and Mexico are at risk of similar setbacks.
Reimer connects the rise in measles cases to the highly infectious nature of the virus and the increased misinformation surrounding vaccines. “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,” she explained.
Strengthening Trust through Partnerships
Amidst these challenges, Reimer stresses the necessity of collaboration. She believes in forging partnerships from local community leaders to federal government officials to effectively tackle these health crises. She recognises the importance of credible information, especially in light of the declining reliability of certain American health institutions due to political changes that have undermined public trust.
“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 said, underscoring the importance of sharing reliable data.
Reimer holds a master’s degree in public health and has previously led initiatives addressing sexually transmitted diseases and drug-related health issues. Nancy Hamzawi, president of the Public Health Agency of Canada, expressed confidence in Reimer’s abilities, 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.”
Why it Matters
Reimer’s appointment comes at a critical juncture for Canada’s public health landscape. The ongoing challenges posed by misinformation and vaccine hesitancy threaten the health of communities across the nation. Her leadership will be vital in restoring faith in public health systems and ensuring that citizens receive accurate, evidence-based health information. As the pandemic has shown, trust is not easily regained, but with committed leadership and community engagement, there is hope for a healthier future.
