OTTAWA, ON, Feb. 20, 2026 /CNW/ - Today, the Honourable Marjorie Michel, Minister of Health, announced the appointment of Dr. Joss Reimer as Canada's next Chief Public Health Officer (CPHO), for a three-year term, effective April 1, 2026.

Dr. Reimer is the past President of the Canadian Medical Association and Chief Medical Officer for the Winnipeg Regional Health Authority. She has public health expertise in health communications, health equity, sexually transmitted and bloodborne infections and immunizations. She has contributed to numerous scientific publications and presentations in both official languages, was also the medical lead and spokesperson for Manitoba's COVID-19 Vaccine Taskforce and spent nine years as undergraduate director of population health at the University of Manitoba.

Voted Humanitarian of the Year by Doctors Manitoba, she is passionate about physician wellness and public health. She completed medical training at the University of Manitoba and McMaster University, training several years in obstetrics and gynecology before finishing a public health specialty.

She completed a master's in public health degree with a project focused on health communication in Nairobi, Kenya. Her research areas have focused on sexually transmitted infections and drug related harms with projects in Canada and Colombia. Dr. Reimer has received several additional awards including the King Charles III Coronation Medal, the Queen Elizabeth II's Platinum Jubilee Medal, University of Manitoba Distinguished Alumni and the St. John Ambulance Pandemic Medallion.

Minister Michel will work with Dr. Reimer, the Public Health Agency of Canada (PHAC) and partners to improve public health and ensure that Canada is well-equipped to respond swiftly and effectively to public health threats and crises. Dr. Reimer joins PHAC at a critical time, as the country continues to face a resurgence of vaccine preventable diseases such as measles, the threats posed by avian influenza A(H5N1), HIV and tuberculosis, the ongoing impacts of the illegal drug crisis and the harmful impacts of false health information.

Quotes

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

The Honourable Marjorie Michel, Minister of Health

"We are thrilled to welcome Dr. Joss Reimer to the Public Health Agency of Canada. 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. On behalf of all of us at PHAC, I look forward to working together to drive meaningful progress and deliver lasting impact for Canadians."

Nancy Hamzawi, President of the Public Health Agency of Canada

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

Dr. Joss Reimer

Quick Facts

• The Government of Canada created the position of Chief Public Health Officer in 2004, under the Public Health Agency of Canada Act, to improve public health in Canada and to strengthen the country's ability to respond to public health threats, outbreaks and emergencies.
• The CPHO is the federal government's lead public health professional. The CPHO is responsible for working with other governments, jurisdictions, agencies, organizations, and countries on health matters; providing an annual report to the Minister of Health on the state of public health in Canada; and speaking to health professionals, stakeholders, and the public about issues affecting their health.

Associated Links

• Canada's Chief Public Health Officer
• Public Health Agency of Canada Act
• Governor in Council appointments

SOURCE Public Health Agency of Canada