xʷməθkʷəy̓əm (Musqueam), Skwxwú7mesh (Squamish) & səl̓ilwətaʔɬ (Tsleil-Waututh) Territories / Vancouver, BC | May 15, 2024 — Family physician and Canadian Association of Physicians for the Environment (CAPE) president Dr. Melissa Lem is the recipient of the 2024 YWCA Women of Distinction Award for Environmental Sustainability.

The YWCA cites Dr. Lem’s founding of PaRx, Canada’s national nature prescription program, her advocacy to end fossil fuel promotion in BC schools, her role as a climate columnist for CBC Radio’s Early Edition, her mentorship as Clinical Assistant Professor at UBC, and her significant contributions to CAPE. 

“Dr. Melissa Lem’s work has made a difference in the lives of so many – whether advocating for policy change, enabling people to seek better health through nature, or building understanding about the interconnection of climate and health. CAPE is very fortunate to have such a strong leader at the helm,” said Dr. Joe Vipond, CAPE past president and emergency physician.

During her time on CAPE’s board, Dr. Lem has also been the recipient of the Clean 50 Top Project award for 2024, and the Canadian Museum of Nature 2022 Adult Nature Inspiration Award.

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Further details on the YWCA website:

https://ywcavan.org/blog/2024/05/2024-ywca-women-distinction-awards-presented-scotiabank-recipients

For more information or interviews, please contact:

Reykia Fick, Communications Director, Canadian Association of Physicians for the Environment (CAPE), 647-762-9168, media@cape.ca