Canada's incoming top doctor says restoring public trust is a priority

Dr. Joss Reimer was named Canada's chief public health officer for a three-year term and identified countering health misinformation and rebuilding public trust as top priorities.

Dr. Joss Reimer has been appointed Canada's chief public health officer for a three-year term. In her first public comments, she said countering health misinformation and rebuilding public trust are top priorities. Reimer acknowledged that trust in institutions was eroded during the COVID-19 pandemic. She has held senior public health roles in Manitoba and led vaccine implementation work during the pandemic. What is known: - Reimer's three-year appointment was announced and she said tackling health misinformation and restoring public trust will be priorities. - She previously served as chief medical officer for the Winnipeg health authority, was medical lead for Manitoba's COVID-19 vaccine task force, and is a former president of the Canadian Medical Association. - Health Minister Marjorie Michel said Canada is facing a resurgence of vaccine-preventable diseases, including measles, alongside other public health threats. - Canada has lost its measles elimination status after a sustained outbreak, and officials link rising cases to increased vaccine hesitancy and misinformation. Summary: Reimer's appointment places emphasis on addressing misinformation and rebuilding confidence in public health institutions amid ongoing outbreaks. Officials note the measles resurgence and other health threats as context for her mandate. Undetermined at this time.