The federal government has officially named Dr. Joss Reimer as the next Chief Public Health Officer (CPHO) of Canada. Dr. Reimer will step into the role for a three-year term beginning April 1, 2026, succeeding Dr. Theresa Tam.
Thank you for reading this post, don't forget to subscribe!Why She Was Chosen
Dr. Reimer is a heavy hitter in the Canadian medical community, known for her ability to translate complex science into clear public advice.
- Former CMA President: She recently served as the President of the Canadian Medical Association.
- The “Vaccine Voice”: She rose to national prominence as the lead for Manitoba’s COVID-19 Vaccine Implementation Task Force.
- A Focus on Equity: Her career has been defined by her work in harm reduction, health equity, and maternal health.
The Road Ahead: Top 4 Priorities
- H5N1 Watch: Monitoring the ongoing risk of avian influenza.
- Vaccine Confidence: Addressing the rise in preventable diseases like measles.
- The Toxic Drug Crisis: Developing public health strategies to combat the illegal drug epidemic.
- Misinformation: Fighting the spread of health-related “fake news” that undermines public safety.
The Transition
- Incumbent: Dr. Howard Njoo (Interim)
- Predecessor: Dr. Theresa Tam (Retired June 2025)
- Start Date: April 1, 2026
“Dr. Reimer’s leadership and deep commitment to evidence-based medicine make her the right person to lead Canada’s public health response into the future.” — Marjorie Michel, Minister of Health
