Joint statement by the Minister of Health, the Minister of Environment and Climate Change and the Minister of Indigenous Services on COP28

Posted On: June 17, 2024

opinion

December 3, 2023 | Ottawa, ON | Health Canada | Environment and Climate Change Canada | Indigenous Services Canada

“Climate change is affecting human health around the world. We see its consequences every day, from extreme weather events to the spread of infectious diseases. Given the challenge of a changing climate, strong and resilient health systems are critical.

This is one of the important topics that will be addressed at the Twenty-eighth United Nations Climate Change Conference (COP28) [en anglais seulement] which takes place in Dubai, United Arab Emirates. This year, the conference is organizing its first “Health Day” to highlight the link between climate change and health.

COP28 provides an opportunity for world leaders to discuss the importance of adapting our health systems to the worsening of climate change. This is consistent with the Government of Canada’s plan to address the health impacts of climate change and our commitment to work with other countries to preserve the well-being of all.

In June 2023, the Government of Canada launched the National Adaptation Strategy to develop a shared vision for climate resilience across the country. Under this strategy, the Government of Canada will invest nearly $43 million over the next five years to support the health sector and the people in it in addressing the challenges posed by the impacts of climate change. In fall 2022, the government invested $2 billion to implement the strategy and support other adaptation activities. The strategy enables Health Canada to work with its partners to renew and expand the ADAPTATIONSanté program to support actions to build resilient health systems in the face of climate change and protect populations from growing and urgent health risks posed by extreme heat.

Today, Canada joins our global partners in supporting the COP28 Declaration on Climate and Health. By supporting this declaration, we are raising awareness of the health risks posed by climate change and playing an active role in global efforts to prioritize health in the face of environmental challenges.

The Government of Canada recognizes that inclusion and equity play a key role in the design and implementation of climate change initiatives. It is good to see that COP28 is taking steps to address the wide-ranging impacts of climate change on human health and has provided an opportunity for all countries to share best practices to minimize these impacts. Many Indigenous communities in Canada already rely on regional and traditional knowledge to create a climate-safe future through climate monitoring, adaptation solutions and clean energy.

As COP28 moves forward and world leaders reflect on these important issues, we encourage everyone to deepen their understanding of the impacts of climate change on our lives and health, and we reaffirm our commitment to tackling climate change and fighting for the health of humanity. »

The Honourable Mark Holland, PC, MP
The Honorable Steven Guilbeault, PC, MP
The Honorable Patty Hajdu, PC, MP