Canada Taps Crisis-Tested Leader for Top Public Health Role

OTTAWA, ON – February 20, 2026 – The Government of Canada has appointed Dr. Joss Reimer, the recent President of the Canadian Medical Association and a key architect of Manitoba's COVID-19 vaccine rollout, as the country's next Chief Public Health Officer (CPHO). The announcement, made today by Health Minister Marjorie Michel, positions a leader with extensive front-line crisis management experience at the head of the nation's public health system for a three-year term, effective April 1, 2026.

Dr. Reimer steps into the role at a critical juncture, inheriting a complex portfolio of escalating health threats that demand both swift response and long-term strategic vision. Her appointment is being seen as a move to install a leader whose career has been defined by navigating the very challenges now facing the country on a national scale.

"I am pleased to welcome Dr. Reimer to the role of Canada's Chief Public Health Officer," Minister Michel stated. "I look forward to working alongside Dr. Reimer to address pressing and complex public health challenges."

A Leader Forged in Crisis

Dr. Reimer is perhaps best known for her highly visible role as the medical lead and spokesperson for Manitoba's COVID-19 Vaccine Taskforce. During the most intense period of the pandemic, she was instrumental in communicating complex, evolving science to a worried public, a skill set that will be immediately tested in her new national position.

Her experience in Manitoba provided a crucible for developing strategies in health logistics, public communication, and addressing vaccine hesitancy at a grassroots level. This background is seen as invaluable preparation for a national stage where public trust has been strained and misinformation continues to pose a significant threat to public health initiatives.

Beyond the pandemic, Dr. Reimer’s career demonstrates a deep grounding in public health fundamentals. Before her term as CMA president, she served as the Chief Medical Officer for the Winnipeg Regional Health Authority and spent nine years as the undergraduate director of population health at the University of Manitoba, shaping the perspectives of a new generation of physicians. Her expertise spans immunizations, health equity, and sexually transmitted and bloodborne infections (STBBIs), with research projects conducted in Canada, Kenya, and Colombia.

Navigating a Minefield of Health Threats

Dr. Reimer’s tenure begins as Canada confronts a formidable list of public health emergencies. The country is currently facing a resurgence of vaccine-preventable diseases like measles, a direct consequence of flagging immunization rates and the pervasive spread of false health information.

Simultaneously, the threat of avian influenza A(H5N1) looms larger. After Canada confirmed its first domestically acquired human case in late 2024, the Public Health Agency of Canada (PHAC) has been on high alert, purchasing 870,000 doses of a human vaccine for high-risk individuals. While the risk to the general public remains low, the continued spread among animals creates opportunities for the virus to adapt, making vigilant surveillance and preparedness a top priority.

These emerging threats are layered on top of entrenched, long-standing crises. The illegal drug supply, increasingly toxic and contaminated with fentanyl, continues to claim an average of 20 lives each day. Since 2016, the overdose crisis has resulted in over 50,000 deaths. Furthermore, Canada is struggling to meet its global commitments for eliminating tuberculosis, with incidence rates in 2023 reaching their highest point in over two decades, disproportionately affecting Indigenous Peoples, particularly Inuit communities, and individuals born outside of Canada.

A New Focus on Trust and Equity

While crisis management will be an immediate focus, Dr. Reimer's track record suggests her leadership may also pivot PHAC toward a renewed emphasis on health equity and rebuilding public trust. As President of the Canadian Medical Association, she identified the fight against health misinformation as a top priority, launching the "Healthcare For Real" initiative to provide Canadians with reliable, evidence-based health information.

She has been a vocal advocate for a proactive federal approach to countering false narratives, recognizing that trust is the bedrock of effective public health. This focus on clear, empathetic communication will be crucial in her new role as the nation's lead public health professional.

Moreover, Dr. Reimer has demonstrated a profound commitment to reconciliation within the healthcare system. During her CMA presidency, she delivered a formal apology to First Nations, Inuit, and Métis Peoples for the medical association's role in perpetuating systemic harm. This action signals a deep understanding of the social determinants of health and a willingness to confront uncomfortable truths to foster a more equitable system.

"Public health is about uniting efforts to protect and promote the well-being of people in Canada, especially those who are most vulnerable," Dr. Reimer said in a statement. "I look forward to collaborating with colleagues and partners domestically and internationally, and with communities across the country toward this important goal."

The Evolution of Canada's Top Doctor

Dr. Reimer becomes the nation's lead public health professional, a position created in 2004 in the aftermath of the SARS crisis to ensure Canada had independent, expert leadership for future emergencies. She follows Dr. Theresa Tam, whose seven-year tenure was defined by her steadfast guidance through the COVID-19 pandemic, as well as other emergencies including H1N1 and Ebola.

The role requires a delicate balance of providing scientific advice to the government, coordinating with provincial and territorial counterparts, and serving as the primary, trusted voice on health matters for the Canadian public. Nancy Hamzawi, President of PHAC, expressed confidence in the appointment.

"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," Hamzawi stated. Dr. Reimer's extensive background in medicine, public health leadership, and communication makes her uniquely suited to the challenges of the post-pandemic era, where the health of the nation depends as much on managing viruses as it does on mending trust.