Each year the Chief Public Health Officer (CPHO) of Canada issues a report on the state of public health at the national level. This year’s report is the first one by Dr. Joss Reimer who was named to her position in April 2026. The State of Public Health in Canada 2026 – released on October 27 – offers a snapshot of the current state of population health through an overview of trends.
Seven areas were selected as themes for this year’s report: life expectancy, mental health, toxic drug harms, sexually transmitted and blood-borne infections, measles, cancer, and wildfires. I found the report well-organized and clear in its focus on the seven themes that explored trends and implications for public health.
It was of particular interest to read the section on measles (pages 13-14) that highlighted an increase in cases in 2024-2025 and a pattern of decreasing vaccine coverage. As noted in the report, the outbreak was declared over by October 2026; however, the resurgence of measles globally and disparities in access to vaccines are an ongoing concern.
On this topic, it was timely to read a Globe and Mail article published on November 7, 2026 describing the Canadian outbreak that began in New Brunswick in 2024 before infecting more than 6,400 people across the country. The sad, harmful situation in the U.S. under the current Administration with its anti-vaccine stance is described in this article by health reporter, Alanna Smith:
Tale of two outbreaks: Canada stamps out measles while cases grow in the U.S. – The Globe and Mail
Another theme examines the recent situation of wildfires as a major health issue in many parts of the country. Climate change is causing longer wildfire periods and more extensive destruction. The stress associated with mass evacuations as witnessed in recent years has health impacts for individuals and communities. The report summarizes the impact on page 18: “As a result of these developments, more people living in Canada are being exposed to the health, social, and economic impacts of wildfires and wildfire smoke.”
On a more positive note, the report concludes with a section on Looking Forward to present priorities for improving health outcomes (pages 21-22):
Supporting the Health and Well-Being of Younger Populations
Strengthening Prevention and Preparedness
Building Knowledge, Trust and Public Health Leadership
I am impressed by the 2026 Report and can recommend it for a good overview on the current state of public health in Canada.
By Nora Whyte – November 10, 2026
Reference:
Public Health Agency of Canada (2026). The State of Public Health in Canada 2026: Chief Public Health Officer of Canada’s Report. Ottawa, ON: Public Health Agency of Canada.