CPHA Welcomes Appointment of Dr. Joss Reimer as Canada’s Chief Public Health Officer

The Canadian Public Health Association (CPHA) welcomes the Government of Canada’s appointment of Dr. Joss Reimer as Canada’s next Chief Public Health Officer.

Dr. Reimer assumes this role at a time of significant and complex public health challenges. Communities across Canada continue to be affected by the toxic drug crisis, rising polarization and extremism that erode social cohesion and trust, and the ongoing public health consequences of gun violence. These challenges are unfolding alongside climate-related health risks, widening inequities, and persistent pressures on health and social systems.

“This appointment comes at a critical moment for public health in Canada,” said Ian Culbert, Executive Director of CPHA. “Responding to crises is essential, but public health is much more than crisis response. Well-financed and well-governed public health services are working 24 hours a day, every day, to prevent harm, protect communities, and improve the health and well-being of everyone in Canada.”

CPHA emphasized that sustained investment in public health infrastructure, workforce capacity, and governance is fundamental to addressing both immediate threats and the underlying social, economic, corporate, and ecological determinants of health.

CPHA congratulates Dr. Reimer on her appointment and looks forward to working with her and the Public Health Agency of Canada to strengthen public health systems, advance evidence-informed policy, and uphold public trust in a rapidly evolving and challenging environment.