Manitoba’s Health Minister Marjorie Michel has revealed that Dr. Joss Reimer, the key figure in the province’s vaccination campaign against the pandemic, will assume the prestigious position of Canada’s next chief public health officer.
Michel expressed her anticipation of collaborating with Reimer, highlighting her strong leadership, expertise, and unwavering dedication to public health, which will be crucial in safeguarding the well-being of Canadians.
Dr. Reimer, set to commence her new role on April 1, previously served as the medical expert and spokesperson for Manitoba’s COVID-19 Vaccine Implementation Taskforce and held the position of medical director of public health in Winnipeg. Beyond her provincial roles, Reimer also led the Canadian Medical Association (CMA) until 2025.
In an interview with CBC’s “As It Happens,” Dr. Reimer emphasized the pervasive spread of misinformation and disinformation in Canada and expressed eagerness to contribute by disseminating reliable, evidence-based information to Canadians. She stressed the importance of aligning health messaging across all levels to ensure the public trusts information from the Public Health Agency of Canada.
Her expertise, as outlined on the CMA website, encompasses immunizations, sexually transmitted and blood-borne infections, and harm reduction. Dr. Reimer’s tenure at the University of Manitoba included nine years of service, during which she spearheaded the development and delivery of a comprehensive four-year population health course as the undergraduate director of population health.
Dr. Reimer’s commitment to reconciliation was evident during her tenure as CMA president, where she issued a formal apology to Indigenous communities for the CMA’s historical complicity in perpetuating racism within the healthcare system. She aims to prioritize engagement with Indigenous experts to guide efforts in advancing Indigenous health and culture within public health initiatives.
The current interim chief public health officer, Dr. Howard Njoo, assumed the role post Dr. Theresa Tam, who previously led Canada’s pandemic response. Tam, a prominent figure in Canada’s COVID-19 public health efforts, stepped down in June, opening the path for Reimer to take on this crucial role.
Dr. Margot Burnell, the current CMA president, commended Reimer’s appointment, lauding her as a dedicated leader and influential voice in public health. Burnell highlighted Reimer’s role in providing reassurance and rationality to Manitobans amid the pandemic, emphasizing her unwavering commitment to public health during her tenure with the CMA.
