Joss Reimer named Canada's chief public health officer

Health Minister Marjorie Michel announced Dr. Joss Reimer will become Canada's chief public health officer on April 1; Reimer led Manitoba's COVID-19 Vaccine Implementation Taskforce and previously headed the Canadian Medical Association.

Health Minister Marjorie Michel announced that Dr. Joss Reimer will be Canada's new chief public health officer. Reimer is scheduled to begin the role on April 1. She was the medical lead and spokesperson for Manitoba's COVID-19 Vaccine Implementation Taskforce. She also served as medical director of public health for Winnipeg and led the Canadian Medical Association until 2025. Key details: - Appointment announced by Health Minister Marjorie Michel. - Reimer will begin the chief public health officer role on April 1. - She served as medical lead and spokesperson for Manitoba's COVID-19 Vaccine Implementation Taskforce and as medical director of public health for Winnipeg. - She stepped down as head of the Canadian Medical Association in 2025. - Her biography lists expertise in immunizations, sexually transmitted and blood-borne infections, and harm reduction. - Canada currently has an interim chief public health officer, Dr. Howard Njoo, who took over after Theresa Tam stepped down in June. Summary: Reimer's appointment continues the transition in federal public health leadership and is presented as drawing on her experience in immunization and public health administration. She will assume the chief public health officer role on April 1. Undetermined at this time.