The BC committee of Canadian Association of Physicians for the Environment (CAPE BC) is a powerful network of healthcare professionals dedicated to protecting human and planetary health.
Co-chaired by Dr. Bethany Ricker and Dr. Kevin Liang, our committee ambitiously tackles both the symptoms and root causes of the climate crisis. Our 1,200+ supporters leverage their health expertise to advocate for evidence-based solutions to environmental threats, such as fossil fuel industry expansion, extreme heat, and air pollution.
Because of systemic inequities, these problems disproportionately harm people with the fewest resources to adapt, including racialized communities, First Nations, and those with low incomes. Being part of CAPE amplifies our voices as trusted health messengers to address these environmental injustices. Our committee partners with many Indigenous allies and community organizations to protect the environment, health, and sovereignty of everyone in BC.
Our Initiatives
CAPE BC has recently engaged in:
- Pushing the BC government to protect health from fracking and LNG expansion
- Allying with First Nations to oppose fast-tracked fossil fuel projects, including the Prince Rupert Gas Transmission Pipeline and Tilbury LNG
- Advocating for stronger health protections against extreme heat and wildfire smoke
- Supporting clean, renewable energy and transportation policies at the municipal and provincial levels
- Protecting the biodiversity of forests and waterways
- Decarbonizing the health sector to lead in emissions reduction and improve healthcare resilience
- Successfully defending Vancouver’s municipal gas ban from industry pushback