Health Canada invests to help our health system adapt to climate change

OTTAWA, April 30, 2019 /CNW/ - The impacts of climate change on health are already being felt in Canada—affecting both the health of Canadians as individuals and the health system as a whole. Climate change puts pressure on Canada’s health system, contributing to greater costs due to a higher demand for services and damaged infrastructure due to extreme weather.

Today, the Honourable Ginette Petitpas Taylor, Minister of Health, announced that the Government of Canada is taking action to support the health sector in adapting to a changing climate. Through HealthADAPT, a climate change and health adaptation capacity-building program, Health Canada will provide $3 million over three years to support 10 health authorities in delivering projects that will help prepare for and respond to the impacts of climate change.

Different parts of Canada are being affected by climate change in different ways. In addition to the ten funded projects, a network of health authorities will be created to strengthen Canada’s response to climate-driven health risks and to share best practices between communities. The knowledge and tools developed through these projects will benefit communities across Canada.

Quotes

“Climate change poses significant health risks to Canadians, and is challenging our health system to adapt to its many impacts. Health authorities across the country need support to prepare for and respond to the impacts of climate change. Our government recognizes this urgent need and is fostering health system innovation to protect the health of Canadians.”

The Honourable Ginette Petitpas Taylor
Minister of Health

Quick Facts

• The World Health Organization has identified climate change as the greatest threat to global health in the 21st century.
• The Government of Canada is investing $3 million over the next three years to support projects that help Canada prepare for and respond to the impacts of climate change on health.
• The 10 projects support the human health and well-being objectives under the Pan-Canadian Framework on Clean Growth and Climate Change.
• The Public Health Agency of Canada runs a complementary program, the Infectious Diseases and Climate Change Fund, which is providing up to $2 million annually over the next 11 years to help understand the impact of climate-driven infectious diseases on the health and well-being of Canadians.
• Indigenous Services Canada runs a Climate Change and Health Adaptation Program specifically for Indigenous communities both north and south of 60^o.
• The Canadian Institutes of Health Research is addressing research gaps though their Food Security and Climate Change in the Canadian North Initiative.

Related Products

Backgrounder: HealthAdapt: Climate Change and Health Adaptation Capacity Building Program

Associated Links

Climate change and health: Health effects
Pan-Canadian Framework on Clean Growth and Climate Change
Infectious Disease and Climate Change Fund (Public Health Agency of Canada)
Food Security and Climate Change in the Canadian North Initiative
Climate Change and Health Adaptation Program (Indigenous Services Canada)

SOURCE Health Canada