Joss Reimer

Joss Reimer
OM
4th Chief Public Health Officer of Canada
Incumbent
Assumed office
April 1, 2026
Prime MinisterMark Carney
Preceded byTheresa Tam
Personal details
EducationMcMaster University
University of Winnipeg (BA)
University of Manitoba (MD, MPH)
OccupationPhysician

Jocelyn Nicole Reimer OM is a Canadian physician who has served as the Chief Public Health Officer of Canada since 2026. Prior to this appointment, she was the Chief Medical Officer for the Winnipeg Regional Health Authority and president of the Canadian Medical Association.

Early life and education

Reimer was raised in Winkler, Manitoba, Canada. Before undertaking medical studies, she completed a Bachelor of Arts from the University of Winnipeg. She completed her medical education and residency at McMaster University and the University of Manitoba, earning a Doctor of Medicine in 2008 and a Master of Public Health degree in 2013. After two years of postgraduate medical training in obstetrics and gynaecology at McMaster from 2008 to 2010, she transferred to the University of Manitoba in public health and preventive medicine, obtaining fellowship certification in 2013.

Medical career

During the COVID-19 pandemic, Reimer was the medical lead for the vaccination implementation task force in Manitoba. She served in this role for 16 months. While Reimer was in this role, she revealed that she was subjected to threats from people who were upset about COVID-19 restrictions.

On April 22, 2022, Reimer began her role as Chief Medical Officer for the Winnipeg Regional Health Authority.

On May 29, 2024, Reimer was installed as president of the Canadian Medical Association On May 31, 2025, Reimer was succeeded as president by New Brunswick oncologist Margot Burnell.

On February 20, 2026, Minister of Health Marjorie Michel announced that Reimer would become Chief Public Health Officer of Canada on April 1, 2026.

Honours

In 2026, she was appointed to the Order of Manitoba, the province’s highest honour.

Notes

  1. ↑ Howard Njoo served as interim Chief Public Health Officer of Canada from June 20, 2025 until April 1, 2026

References

  1. ↑ "Bisons at the Centre". umanitoba.ca. University of Manitoba. Retrieved February 20, 2026.
  2. ↑ Ogilvie, Megan (February 20, 2026). "Canada's new chief public health officer named. Here's who is taking on the role". thestar.com. Toronto Star. Retrieved February 20, 2026.
  3. ↑ Kirkup, Kristy (February 20, 2026). "Joss Reimer named Canada's next chief public health officer". theglobeandmail.ca. The Globe and Mail. Retrieved February 20, 2026.
  4. ↑ Piché, Gabrielle (February 20, 2026). "Manitoba COVID response team member named Canada's chief public health officer". winnipegfreepress.com. Winnipeg Free Press. Retrieved February 20, 2026.
  5. ↑ Thom, Mike (May 26, 2021). "Getting to know Dr. Joss Reimer and your vaccine questions". CHVNRadio.com. CHVN Radio. Retrieved February 20, 2026.
  6. ↑ "CMU to honour Dr. Joss Reimer with 2024 PAX Award" (Press release). CMU Medua. April 22, 2024. Retrieved February 20, 2026.
  7. ↑ "Government of Canada appoints Dr. Joss Reimer as Chief Public Health Officer". canada.ca (Press release). Public Health Agency of Canada. February 20, 2026. Retrieved February 20, 2026.
  8. ↑ Ritchie, Sarah (February 20, 2026). "Canada names its new chief public health officer". ctvnews.ca. The Canadian Press. Retrieved February 20, 2026.
  9. ↑ Paizen, Grace Anne (March 10, 2023). "Manitoba's Dr. Joss Reimer elected to become next head of Canadian Medical Association". cbc.ca. CBC. Retrieved February 20, 2026.
  10. ↑ Bernhardt, Darren (July 13, 2021). "Dr. Joss Reimer not aware of being followed but says threats are 'part of the job'". cbc.ca. CBC. Retrieved February 20, 2026.
  11. ↑ "Dr. Joss Reimer accepts role of WRHA Chief Medical Officer". wrha.mb.ca. Winnipeg Regional Health Authority. April 6, 2022. Retrieved February 20, 2026.
  12. ↑ "Dr. Joss Reimer installed as CMA president". cma.ca. Canadian Medical Association. May 29, 2024. Retrieved February 20, 2026.
  13. ↑ Tsicos, Stephanie (May 31, 2025). "New Brunswick doctor named Canadian Medical Association president". ctvnews.ca. CTV. Retrieved February 20, 2026.
  14. ↑ Zimonjic, Peter (February 20, 2026). "Manitoba's Joss Reimer is named Canada's new chief public health officer". cbc.ca. CBC. Retrieved February 20, 2026.
  15. ↑ "Order of Manitoba – 2026 Recipients". Government of Manitoba. Retrieved May 19, 2026.