May 26, 2023

(Ottawa / Traditional, Unceded Territory of the Algonquin Anishnaabeg People) – Today, at a press conference in Quebec City, Minister of Health Jean-Yves Duclos announced $42.9 million in funding to support climate adaptation initiatives as part of the Government of Canada’s National Adaptation Strategy and the Government of Canada Adaptation Action Plan. 

In response to these comments from the Minister, Dr. Sehjal Bhargava, Ottawa-based physician and spokesperson for the Canadian Association of Physicians for the Environment (CAPE), offered the following reaction:

“As a physician in my early years of training, I am already noticing the extreme impacts the climate crisis has on my patients’ health. Stress and mortality from heat waves, lung and cardiovascular health problems linked to poor air quality from pollution and wildfires are examples of challenges that threaten health as climate change intensifies. The National Adaptation Strategy marks a critically important step forward in Canada’s response to the climate crisis. Adequate funding and equitable policy priorities are essential. Today’s announcement marks a tangible step towards better protecting Canadians from climate-associated health risks.” 

For media inquiries: 

Reykia Fick, Communications Director, Canadian Association of Physicians for the Environment (CAPE)

647-762-9168, reykia@cape.ca

Robb Barnes, Climate Program Director, Canadian Association of Physicians for the Environment

613-276-5753, robb@cape.ca