Canadian Association of Physicians for the Environment (CAPE)

🚨 is exacerbating the crisis in BC, warn 300+ doctors and healthcare professionals.

In a press conference outside Vancouver General Hospital, health professionals raised the alarm 📣 about LNG's unreported impacts on ER closures, health and healthcare access. 🩺
Canadian Association of Nurses for the Environment

https://cape.ca/press_release/lng-industry-having-adverse-impacts-on-er-closures-health-and-healthcare-access-in-bc/

Dr. Melissa Lem with a big picture, spot-on takeaway in response to findings of toxic metals in tampons:

"What we release into the environment... it makes its way back to us." 💥

Check out the article by Dr. Maura Brown, CAPE BC volunteer, on the urgent need for environmentally sustainable radiology. 🌍📉



👀 Read it here: https://loom.ly/SRkdmec

Yesterday the Government of Canada announced its support for a community-led health study in the Athabasca region.

CAPE stands in solidarity with the Nations who have been long calling for this study and celebrate this news.

Even with a study underway, the ongoing harm from substances and violation of rights must be stopped!



https://loom.ly/Mw3q0kE

🎉 As celebrations continue marking the passage of An Act to Redress Environmental Racism and Advance Environmental Justice, we look back at the ways the CAPE Community supported the bill to become law, making the critical point that environmental justice is a health issue!

Read more here: https://loom.ly/mOu8RXw

“Last week, as Valemount was opening its homes to thousands of evacuees fleeing the Jasper wildfires, Vancouver was slamming the door on climate progress. In a 6-to-5 vote, city council abruptly reversed the city’s long-standing bylaw preventing natural gas heating in new homes.

Barely three years after a heat dome killed 117 people in Vancouver alone, this ambush of our public right to weigh in on municipal policy, and our right to a healthy environment, betrays our civic values and health.”

“As the first municipality in Canada to reverse a bylaw to build clean energy into new homes, Vancouver is no longer a climate leader — it’s a climate laggard. While city staff work on implementing this about-face into its climate response and prepare to report back by November, we must be ready to mobilize against it for our health and a livable future. This fall, our voices will not be silenced.”

Op-ed by Dr. Melissa Lem

ENOUGH IS ENOUGH - After the devastation in Jasper, we are calling on the governments of Canada, and its provinces and territories to stop playing politics with our health and safety.

It’s time for Canada to take urgent action to hold the oil and gas industry accountable for climate catastrophe.

Read the joint letter here: https://loom.ly/E1UcrIc

Want to be an advocate for planetary health? Now is your chance! Apply by August 18th to join the Advocacy and Mobilization Program (AMP).

AMP is a professional development course designed for health providers who want to become effective health advocates by championing environmental action.

Learn more here: https://loom.ly/xw1yI5U

CAPE will be at the 2024 Tu’de’gha’ Conference at the Chief Lamalice Complex in Hay River, NT with Keepers of the Water and Kátł'odeeche First Nation.

“‘Advanced recycling,’ also called chemical recycling, is an umbrella term for any process that can break down used plastic into its molecular parts, which are then used to make brand-new plastic products. It promises something that mechanical, aka regular, recycling cannot—a way to create plastic that can be reused over and over.”

As appealing as it sounds in theory, this process is actually very harmful. So-called advanced recycling is a “toxic, climate-damaging and ineffective process generat(ing) large amounts of toxic chemicals, typically pushed into Black and Brown communities and low-income communities."

Read more about the plastics industry's $30 million lie!

https://loom.ly/8ElqVdw

The plastic industry’s $30 million lie Big Plastic’s “advanced recycling” ads are everywhere—and they’re part of a massive greenwashing scam.

A new PFAS study underscores the urgency of Dr. Lyndia Dernis' warning: “Each day that action on PFAS is delayed, is another day where people are faced with the risk of potential harm to their health from this class of ubiquitous ‘forever chemicals.’”

Joint statement: https://loom.ly/zaHpstE
Study: https://loom.ly/nzvpPoA

"This is a call for our politicians, media, scientists and yes, even our oilmen, to acknowledge the truth and to tell it like it is. Stating unequivocally that unless we all act together, rapidly, radically, to transform our energy systems to safer society, the game is lost for all." — Dr. Joe Vipond & Steve Bentley

"People want change, and realistic solutions exist. A critical and realistic first step is to place limits on the fossil fuel industry’s ability to advertise," write Dr. Robert Selles, Carly Parsons, and Dr. Robert Stowe.

"The great majority of climate scientists believe we are headed for catastrophic heating. In B.C., we are already facing more severe wildfire seasons, droughts, and flooding that lead to increased respiratory illnesses, heat-related deaths, stressful evacuations, and damage. In 2021 alone, extreme weather in B.C. was estimated to have a total economic cost of up to $17 billion.

Three-quarters of young Canadians indicate that climate change and related inaction negatively impacts their mental health. The longer we wait, the more deadly and costly climate change becomes."

Sending strength and solidarity to the communities affected by the wildfires. As thousands evacuate, we hope for their safety and swift relief.

Congratulations to Dr. Ojistoh Horn on being appointed president of the Indigenous Physicians Association of Canada! 🎉 Your leadership and dedication are truly inspiring.

🌟 Introducing our new IPAC Board of Directors! 🌟
From left to right:
Shelley Young - Student Director
Dr. Brent Young - Treasurer
Dr. Jamaica Cass - Secretary
Dr. Ryan Giroux - Physician Director
Dr. Tina Nash - Resident Director
Dr. Ojistoh Horn - President
Dr. Alexa Lesperance - Vice-President

Join us in welcoming our new leaders Together, we are dedicated to advancing the health and well-being of Indigenous peoples across Turtle Island. 🌿✨

☠️ The federal government is catching heat for backing off on regulations for "forever chemicals" (PFAS). These harmful substances, found in everyday items, don’t break down and can cause serious health problems.
😱 This news comes as new research reveals that toxic PFAS chemicals can be absorbed through human skin at levels much higher than previously thought.
⛔ Our safety must be prioritized over industry interests!

From a former ExxonMobil executive: "A requirement for truth-in-advertising for environmental claims is long overdue. The oil industry should stop whining and get on with complying with the new law. It is the least that people in Canada deserve." We happen to agree. Bill C-59 will help put an end to false and misleading environmental claims in advertising – it's about time that fossil fuel companies clean up their act.

Did you know that plastic is linked to numerous health problems? Are you curious about the connections between plastic production, the climate crisis, and environmental justice?

🎥 This , watch our three-part short video series for a quick overview of these interconnections:
https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PLy9KCXt5iqtM1XKGsjwACYvrxiJ8mjLkU

Are you a health professional passionate about environmental action? Join the Advocacy and Mobilization Program (AMP)!

The world needs more advocates for change. Health professionals play a crucial role, connecting environmental issues to human health. Join the AMP program to enhance your communication skills, engage in government relations, and mobilize on CAPE’s campaigns. Let’s make a difference together!

Apply by August 11th! 🌟 Learn more here: https://loom.ly/xw1yI5U

🎉 Congratulations to Dr. Melissa Lem and Dr. Joe Vipond!

🏆 Emergency physician and past-president of the Canadian Association of Physicians for the Environment (CAPE), Dr. Joe Vipond, has been honored with the Canadian Medical Association’s 2024 CMA Award for Political Advocacy. This award celebrates his tireless efforts to address the health impacts of climate change. The CMA highlights Dr. Vipond’s pivotal role in advocating for Alberta’s phase-out of coal-fired electricity, his co-founding and direction of the Calgary Climate Hub, his leadership at CAPE, and his relentless work in science-based health responses to COVID-19.

🏆 We celebrate Dr. Melissa Lem, family physician and CAPE's president, who received the YWCA Women of Distinction Award for Environmental Sustainability in May. Dr. Lem is recognized for founding PaRx, Canada’s national nature prescription program, advocating against fossil fuel promotion in BC schools, serving as a climate columnist for CBC Radio’s Early Edition, her mentorship role as Clinical Assistant Professor at UBC, and her leadership at CAPE. Dr. Lem’s efforts have also earned her the Clean 50 top project award for 2024 and the Canadian Museum of Nature’s 2022 Nature Inspiration Award.

✨ CAPE is privileged to have such dedicated and influential leaders championing the intersection of health and the environment!

On Saturday, July 13 (6 - 8pm PDT), join us in person or online for a screening of this 35-minute STAND.earth documentary that tells how fracking for "natural" gas has impacted the lives of people living on Treaty 8 territory in Northeastern BC.

For in-person attendees, sit among the sculptures and photography of art exhibit Life in the Sacrifice Zone, and enjoy a panel discussion about the health and environmental implications of LNG from the north to the south of BC afterwards.

Tickets available here: https://loom.ly/lbgyyKQ

It's Plastic Free July!

Did you know that plastics, health issues, and environmental justice are all connected? 🌍🩺 If this surprises you, it might be due to greenwashing. CAPE doctors are working hard to shed light on these critical issues.

Catch up on what Drs. Dernis & Kitching have to say on our blog: https://loom.ly/CmxBgg0

Exciting News! 🎉

🗞️ The New York Times has just reported on the oil and gas industry's mass panic and efforts to scrub their environmental claims following the passage of Bill C-59.
🔎 This new law requires companies from all sectors to be able to back up their environmental claims with facts.
⛔ This is a major win, putting at a halt to disinformation from the six biggest tar sands companies.

Join us as we celebrate 30 years of advocacy for a healthier planet and people! 🌍✨

📅 When: Thursday, July 11th
🕖 Time: 7:00-8:30 PM ET / 4:00-5:30 PM PT

Our "Milestones and Memories" webinar will highlight CAPE's incredible journey. It will feature speakers who have been instrumental in various phases of CAPE’s evolution, sharing their stories to bring this incredible organization's past, present, and future to life. Don’t miss this chance to explore our rich history and learn how you can be part of our future initiatives!

🌱✨ Special Guests:
Host: Dr. Warren Bell
Dr. Tee Guidotti
Dr. Kapil Khatter
Gideon Forman
Dr. Hilary de Veber
Scott Findlay
Dr. John Howard
Dr. John O'Connor
Dr. Courtney Howard
Dr. Trevor Hancock
Dr. Ojistoh Horn

Register now and join us in celebrating three decades of environmental health advocacy!

👉🏽 https://act.cape.ca/milestones_memories_celebrating_30_years_of_cape

Five prominent BC chefs have come together to show home cooks how safe, efficient, and delicious it is to cook with induction. This digital recipe book features five delicious signature recipes that will be sure to inspire at-home chefs!

❓Why choose induction cooking over a gas stove? Here are 5 reasons:

🔥 Enhanced Safety: In induction cooking, the heat is created within the
cookware instead of on the element. When the pan is removed or the
cooktop is turned off, the heat transfer ceases immediately meaning the
surface is cool to the touch.
🌍 More Climate-Friendly: Induction cooktops do not emit harmful gases into the atmosphere.
🍳 Precision Cooking: The technology behind induction enables even heat transfer and heat distribution to the cooking pan, meaning a more
controlled and precise cook-time.
🔌 High Efficiency: With induction cooktops, up to 90 percent of energy
consumed is transferred to the food, compared to about 70-75 percent for traditional electric cooktops and as low as 40 percent for gas cooktops.
🦠 Easy-to-Clean: Because the smooth glass of induction cooktops stays
cool, spills and debris don’t have the opportunity to burn or stick to the
cooktop, making post-cooking clean-up much easier.

Download the free cookbook here: https://loom.ly/b1G_POA

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A project of B2E - Building to Electrification Coalition in partnership with BC Hydro, City of Vancouver, and City of Victoria BC, Midland Appliance, and chefs Angus An, Ken Nakano, Claire Livia Lassam, Ying Gao and Michael Varga.

It's !

CAPE physicians have been speaking out about the health and justice harms of plastics and advocating for measures to protect both people and the planet.

In an op-ed, Dr. Sharon Dodd argues that the world needs to act now!

“The harms of plastics on human health are an issue of human rights and environmental injustice. The adverse health effects of plastics affect those living in communities near fossil fuel extraction sites or those working in plastic production, due to air and water pollution. In addition to pollution, production of plastic accounts for 3.4 per cent of global greenhouse gas emissions. This doesn’t even take into account the GHG emissions from incineration, landfilling, and other waste management practices of plastics. As we know, climate change impacts vulnerable communities disproportionately, with health impacts from disasters such as wildfires, floods and droughts.

The health harms, injustice and biodiversity loss related to plastic pollution is obvious. We can’t wait to act.”

Are Canada's pesticide regulators prioritizing industry over public health? ☠️👀

“An email from a high-level official in Canada's pesticide regulatory agency is raising eyebrows for what observers say it reveals about the agency’s pro-pesticide bias.

The official comments that the appointment of four researchers to a scientific advisory board might anger the Big Ag lobby.

The email, obtained by Canada's National Observer was sent in 2022 by Jason Flint, a director general in Canada's Pest Management Regulatory Agency to Tom Rosser, currently an assistant deputy minister at Agriculture and Agri-Food Canada (AAFC). The comments followed the first meeting of a scientific advisory committee created by then-minister of health Jean-Yves Duclos to help the regulator update its practices.

Flint's notes outline how the presence on the committee of four Canadian experts in public health, sustainable agriculture and toxicology may frustrate agricultural lobby groups. Notably, the document suggests that one of the researchers, University of Saskatchewan professor Christy Morrissey, is "seen as biased" by Croplife Canada, the main lobby group for synthetic pesticide and fertilizer manufacturers.”

Are you a health professional? Do you have a specific challenge or initiative that you want to work on in your healthcare setting? Apply today for the Fall 2024 edition of Leadership for Change: Toward Sustainable Health Systems.

This leadership course delves into the challenges and opportunities of improving, changing, and transforming the health sector for sustainability. Developed in partnership with Vernissage Health, a University of Toronto-affiliated leadership initiative, the program supports and develops the next generation of health leaders in Canada to create positive change in the health system. Participants will be paired with a mentor throughout the course as a result of this partnership.

This course is accredited with the College of Family Physicians of Canada (Mainpro+), the Royal College of Physicians and Surgeons of Canada (Section 1), and the Canadian College of Health Leaders' Fellowship Select Program.

Learn more here: https://loom.ly/219PIg0