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CAPE BC - Canadian Ass'n of Physicians for the Environment BC

@cape-bc.bsky.social
1.5K followers 714 following 169 posts

British Columbia Regional Committee of @cape-acme.bsky.social, the Canadian Association of Physicians for the Environment. A physician-directed non-profit working to secure human health by protecting the planet. 🌎🩺

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CAPE BC - Canadian Ass'n of Physicians for the Environment BC @cape-bc.bsky.social · 22h
“LNG Canada has been malfunctioning since it started operations...expansion is advancing while health & regulatory questions go unanswered. The profits of wealthy U.S. private equity firms & global O&G companies are being prioritized over the health of people in Canada.” @drmelissalem.bsky.social
cape.ca
CAPE response to LNG Canada announcement - CAPE
Vancouver / Unceded territories of the xʷməθkʷəy̓əm (Musqueam), Sḵwx̱wú7mesh (Squamish) and səlilwətaɬ (Tsleil-waututh) Nations, September 29, 2026: In response to today’s announcement by the federal ...
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CAPE BC - Canadian Ass'n of Physicians for the Environment BC @cape-bc.bsky.social · 29/09/2026
LNG Canada Phase 2 would double output to 30 million tonnes a year, while global gas demand falls and a glut approaches. And they want to expand before proving Phase 1 is safe: its flaring already exceeds B.C. permits. Real leadership means scaling up clean energy, not doubling down fracked gas.
theenergymix.com
BREAKING: New LNG Canada Deal ‘Like Betting on a Concrete Canoe’
The LNG Canada megaproject in Kitimat, British Columbia, is expected to announce a final investment decision today to double its output to up to 30 million tonnes of liquefied natural gas per year, th...
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Shift: Action for Pension Wealth & Planet Health @shiftaction.bsky.social · 28/09/2026
The Canada Pension Plan Investment Board (CPPIB) is about to host public meetings and answer to Canadians. We imagined how they’re getting ready. youtube.com/shorts/U-2xJ...
youtube.com
The Canada Pension Plan Investment Board Gets Ready to Answer Canadians’ Climate Questions
YouTube video by Shift: Action for Pension Wealth & Planet Health
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CAPE BC - Canadian Ass'n of Physicians for the Environment BC @cape-bc.bsky.social · 25/09/2026
Germany, Europe's largest economy, just became the third European country to say it's phasing out fossil fuels. The "world needs Canadian LNG" argument is falling apart. Why keep pouring billions into projects our trading partners don't want? Let's invest in healthy, clean energy instead.
euronews.com
'Only the starting line': Germany plans to quit fossil fuels by 2045
Germany has become the third country in Europe to unveil a national roadmap away from fossil fuels. But experts say targets still 'fall short'.
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CAPE BC - Canadian Ass'n of Physicians for the Environment BC @cape-bc.bsky.social · 25/09/2026
On the eve of B.C.'s snap election, the BC government approved a 10x expansion of FortisBC's Tilbury LNG facility, the only urban LNG plant in the province. Our leaders are greenlighting new fossil fuel infrastructure without proof it's safe, & adding toxic emissions to an already-polluted airshed.
thenarwhal.ca
The election is on. So is B.C.’s push for more LNG
B.C. issued a key approval for a massive expansion of FortisBC’s Tilbury LNG facility one day before calling a snap election, putting the province’s push for LNG squarely in the political spotlight
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CAPE BC - Canadian Ass'n of Physicians for the Environment BC @cape-bc.bsky.social · 31/08/2026
This Saturday, Sept. 5, please join CAPE and @cane-aciie.bsky.social at our Healthy Climate Solutions Fair in Olympic Village. Featuring a fireside chat with @drmelissalem.bsky.social and the one & only @raffic.bsky.social, a poetry reading from Alexa Susandeer, & much more! act.cape.ca/hcsf 1/
Healthy Climate Solutions Fair. Play, learn, nourish and advocate with doctors and nurses for a healthier future. With special guest Raffi & more! Sept 5, 11am-3pm, Olympic Village.
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CAPE BC - Canadian Ass'n of Physicians for the Environment BC @cape-bc.bsky.social · 15/07/2026
BC and Alberta’s 100m fracking setback zones are dangerously outdated, write CAPE docs Margaret McGregor, @timtakaro.bsky.social & colleagues. Studies show health risks—cancer, respiratory illness, birth defects—extend at least 100x farther. Why are we lagging behind US standards?
thetyee.ca
BC and Alberta Lag in Protecting Residents from Fracking Risks | The Tyee
The two provinces set lower buffer zones than US energy states.
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CAPE BC - Canadian Ass'n of Physicians for the Environment BC @cape-bc.bsky.social · 15/07/2026
CAPE physician volunteer Dr. Ashley Lawson, at a moving commemoration last month of the 2021 heat dome, called on all levels of government for stronger heat protection: indoor temperature regulation, expanded green space, & most importantly, a phase-out of fossil fuels, which are driving the crisis.
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Climate Justice Victoria @climatejusticeyyj.bsky.social · 29/06/2026
Dr Ashley Lawson of @cape-acme.bsky.social spoke at the Victoria Heat Dome 5th Anniversary Commemoration we organized with @cane-aciie.bsky.social @seniorsforclimate.bsky.social and other groups. Take 5 minutes to listen! #yyj #bcpoli #heatwave @cape-bc.bsky.social
youtu.be
Victoria Doctor Says Fossil Fuels Creating Health Crisis at Heat Dome Commemoration
YouTube video by Eric D at Ecopath Planning
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CAPE BC - Canadian Ass'n of Physicians for the Environment BC @cape-bc.bsky.social · 01/06/2026
This week, Vancouver City Council will vote on a Vision Zero Safe Mobility Plan. Please Mayor Sim and council in support or sign up to speak to council. Safe active transportation & better public transit are good for health, equity, and the planet! Write to council now:
vancouver.ca
Contact Mayor and Council
Contact City Council and the mayor as a group.
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CAPE BC - Canadian Ass'n of Physicians for the Environment BC @cape-bc.bsky.social · 20/05/2026
Vancouver — please join us tomorrow morning at City Hall to show your support for clean, green homes and climate progress!
Defend Vancouver’s Climate Policy!
Emergency Rally - Stop Sim’s climate clawback. We stopped Ken Sim and ABC from destroying climate progress in 204. We can stop them again. Wed, May 20, 8am to 930am. 
Vancouver City Hall, 853 West 12th Ave. 
Show up for your city!
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Castanet.net @castanet.net · 16/05/2026
B.C. allowed logging in caribou habitat despite its own ministry's recommendation (BC)
castanet.net
B.C. allowed logging in caribou habitat despite its own ministry's recommendation - BC News
Mike James doesn't know yet whether his first grandchild will be a boy or girl, but he hopes they will have a chance to see threatened southern mountain caribou during a future visit to his family's cabin near Quesnel Lake.
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CAPE BC - Canadian Ass'n of Physicians for the Environment BC @cape-bc.bsky.social · 15/05/2026
Vancouver, Mayor Sim is at it again. On May 20, he’s pushing a motion to roll back our climate-safe building bylaw and bring methane gas back into homes. We stopped this in 2024—let’s do it again. 1/
nationalobserver.com
Mayor Ken Sim tries to kill Vancouver's popular gas ban. Again
Vancouver Mayor Ken Sim is trying to get rid of the city's ban on natural gas heating in new buildings as well as a suite of other rules designed to reduce emissions.
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Denis Agar (he/him) @denisagar.bsky.social · 15/05/2026
Vancouver is trying again to get fossil fuels back into new homes. Please tell them to stop by clicking below. @stand.earth
act.stand.earth
Join me in taking action to stop climate rollbacks in Vancouver!
Is it Groundhog Day? More than a year after pulling the same move and getting voted down after a tidal wave of opposition, Vancouver City Council is once again trying to reverse decades of progress on...
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CAPE BC - Canadian Ass'n of Physicians for the Environment BC @cape-bc.bsky.social · 15/05/2026
Momentum is building to support the call for the BC government to require a cumulative health impact assessment of the LNG industry. Terrace, Squamish, Hazelton, & Dawson Creek have all passed motions calling for an assessment. Want to help get your city council on board? Please reach out!
thetyee.ca
BC Towns Call for an Investigation into LNG Health Effects | The Tyee
Health officers’ report last fall has led local leaders to demand answers about the impact of LNG on residents’ health. Will the province listen?
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Susan Kim 김수잔 @susankimyyj.bsky.social · 14/05/2026
Onto new business, which is the cooling bylaw. Coun Dell shouts out @cape-bc.bsky.social and @nadinenakagawa.bsky.social as he begins introducing motion.
That Victoria City Council direct staff to:  
1) Explore the tools available for the City to adopt a bylaw, or modify an existing bylaw, that 
restricts landlords from prohibiting cooling equipment, and/or requires existing rental units 
to have a heat pump, or other cooling equipment or passive means, that prevents at least 
one room of the unit from exceeding the standard recommendation of 26 C (79 F);  
2) Liaise the City of New Westminster to understand how their cooling bylaw is designed.  
3) Write a letter to the Minister of Housing to request clarification and confirmation that these 
upgrades would not trigger legal renovictions or a rent increase above the standard rent 
control level . 
4) Provide a verbal report back to Council by July 2, 2026
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CAPE BC - Canadian Ass'n of Physicians for the Environment BC @cape-bc.bsky.social · 12/05/2026
Victoria! Take action now to protect tenants from extreme heat. New Westminster recently passed a bylaw requiring landlords to ensure at least 1 room in each home stays at or below 26°C. This week Victoria will vote on a similar motion. Let them know there’s public support for cooling standards!
cape.ca
Demand heat safety in Victoria, BC - CAPE
We have a chance to show Victoria council there’s public support for cooling standards for renters. Take action by sending them an email!
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The Narwhal @thenarwhal.ca · 29/04/2026
Research shows Indigenous Guardians are good for the environment, and the economy. But despite a recent $230 million announcement by the federal government, funding gaps risk undermining their work. Check out the latest in our Who Pays? series: thenarwhal.ca/indigenous-g...
thenarwhal.ca
Indigenous Guardians benefit the land and economy | The Narwhal
Guardian programs have proven to be wise investments — but funding gaps and uncertainty undermine their programs.
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CAPE BC - Canadian Ass'n of Physicians for the Environment BC @cape-bc.bsky.social · 29/04/2026
This is tomorrow! Do you have your (free!) tickets yet? RSVP now before they're all gone!
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CAPE BC - Canadian Ass'n of Physicians for the Environment BC @cape-bc.bsky.social · 29/04/2026
Terrace is the latest community - along with Squamish, Dawson Creek, and Hazelton - to join the call from CAPE and the Health Officers' Council of BC for an independent, comprehensive, and cumulative health impact assessment of the LNG and fracking industry.
cbc.ca
Terrace council calls for assessment of LNG industry health impacts amid gas flaring at Kitimat facility | CBC News
Terrace city council is backing a call by a physician to have the province look into the combined impacts of LNG industry on human health.
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Stand.earth @stand.earth · 23/04/2026
RSVP for this free event on Thursday, April 30 at 7pm PT here:
eventbrite.ca
Vancouver: what are the health harms of flaring from LNG?
Attend a community forum to hear directly from doctors, nurses, and frontline community members about the health harms of LNG.
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Stand.earth @stand.earth · 23/04/2026
Pollution in our homes? Pollution in the neighbourhood? Learn more about the dangers of LNG pollution and MetroVancouver's own burgeoning LNG pollution projects. #GreenSky
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CAPE BC - Canadian Ass'n of Physicians for the Environment BC @cape-bc.bsky.social · 25/04/2026
Please RSVP to attend. We want to make sure as may people as possible have the opportunity to learn about the implications on human health of continued expansion of the LNG industry in BC. Invite your friends!
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Centre for Civic Governance @civicgovernance.bsky.social · 23/04/2026
Join us May 12 for a discussion with @cape-bc.bsky.social on: ✅ The health impacts of climate change ✅ Co-benefits of solutions like public transit, active transportation & getting gas out of homes ✅ Strategies to ensure climate & health are prioritized in BC's muni elections tinyurl.com/5dx588wa
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CAPE BC - Canadian Ass'n of Physicians for the Environment BC @cape-bc.bsky.social · 23/04/2026
Vancouver! Next Thursday, April 30, 7pm, come hear from doctors, nurses, & Indigenous leaders on the health costs of LNG flaring. Kitimat residents are being exposed to record-breaking flaring. With expansion planned for the Tilbury LNG facility in Delta, what impacts face Metro Vancouver? RSVP now!
eventbrite.ca
Vancouver: what are the health harms of flaring from LNG?
Attend a community forum to hear directly from doctors, nurses, and frontline community members about the health harms of LNG.
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The Narwhal @thenarwhal.ca · 17/04/2026
Our newsroom published three investigations this week, including one that revealed Canada’s first major LNG export terminal was among the worst-emitting LNG plants in the world in 2025. Catch up in this week’s newsletter: thenarwhal.ca/newsletter-l...
thenarwhal.ca
LNG Canada: the worst flaring in the world? | The Narwhal
LNG Canada in Kitimat, B.C., burned 350 million cubic metres of gas in 2025. That’s more than any other LNG export facility on record in 2024
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CAPE BC - Canadian Ass'n of Physicians for the Environment BC @cape-bc.bsky.social · 14/04/2026
🔥 Attend a community forum in Vancouver to hear directly from doctors, nurses, and frontline community members about the health harms of LNG.
eventbrite.ca
Vancouver: what are the health harms of flaring from LNG?
Attend a community forum to hear directly from doctors, nurses, and frontline community members about the health harms of LNG.
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CAPE BC - Canadian Ass'n of Physicians for the Environment BC @cape-bc.bsky.social · 11/04/2026
Victoria’s cruise ships spew diesel fumes over homes & schools, harming health & climate. Shore power at Ogden Point could cut emissions by 99%, save lives, & reduce healthcare costs. Seattle & Vancouver are acting, why not Victoria? GVHA, it’s time to #PowerDownPollution!
timescolonist.com
Comment: Shore power at Ogden Point would help quality of life
Air pollution is one of the largest risk factors for death and disability — a risk that Victoria residents live ­dangerously close to.
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CAPE BC - Canadian Ass'n of Physicians for the Environment BC @cape-bc.bsky.social · 09/04/2026
The BC Lung Foundation will be holding their annual air quality and health workshop on April 21st at the Vancouver Marriott Pinnacle hotel. The title of this year's workshop is "Here Comes the Smoke: Emerging Public Health Challenges in a Changing Climate."
bclung.ca
Air Quality & Health Workshop – BC Lung Foundation
Organized annually, the workshop brings together air quality and environmental health experts and policymakers to share new insights regarding priority public health issues.
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Stand.earth @stand.earth · 26/03/2026
ICYMI 🔔 Over 80 organizations endorsed a letter to banks and pension funds calling on them not to fund #TilburyLNG expansion. Whales are threatened by every tanker, and LNG terminals cause pollution on the land through leaks and flaring. #SayNoToLNG #GreenSky
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CAPE BC - Canadian Ass'n of Physicians for the Environment BC @cape-bc.bsky.social · 30/03/2026
TOMORROW: Join our own @drmelissalem.bsky.social at the LNG: Not in Our National Interest campaign launch. Learn why Ksi Lisims & LNG Canada Phase 2 fail Canadians and how clean energy wins. Week of Action details for mid-April! Register: stand-earth.zoom.us/webinar/regi...
TOMORROW: Join our own @drmelissalem.bsky.social at the LNG: Not in Our National Interest campaign launch. Learn why Ksi Lisims & LNG Canada Phase 2 fail Canadians and how clean energy wins. Week of Action details for mid-April!
March 31 4pm PT / 7pmET on Zoom
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CAPE Alberta @cape-ab.bsky.social · 30/03/2026
Alberta-Ottawa methane deal risks 3 million tonnes of extra emissions by delaying action to 2035. Weak provincial rules around venting undercut federal standards. We need strong, science-backed methane rules NOW. Take action: tell Ottawa to close the loopholes! cape.ca/action/harmf...
nationalobserver.com
Smith and Carney's deal on methane could let Big Oil waste millions worth of natural gas
A tentative Alberta-Ottawa deal reached last week could allow the province's oil and gas industry to release about 3 million extra tonnes of planet-warming methane into the atmosphere, analysts say.
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CAPE BC - Canadian Ass'n of Physicians for the Environment BC @cape-bc.bsky.social · 25/03/2026
BC just eliminated its Climate Action Secretariat, redirecting staff to LNG & pipelines. Fracking & LNG expansion mean more pollution, respiratory disease, and climate-fueled disasters. Our health depends on climate action. Time to demand better. cape.ca/action/study-bc-lng-health-impacts/
thetyee.ca
BC Cuts Climate Agency, Sends Some Staff to Work on Pipelines | The Tyee
Experts say CleanBC has gone up in smoke.
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CAPE BC - Canadian Ass'n of Physicians for the Environment BC @cape-bc.bsky.social · 24/03/2026
Climate change is already reshaping life across BC. What does climate change mean for our health & the future of our health care system? Join Dr. Rachel Grimminck, @drmelissalem.bsky.social & @bchealthyliving.bsky.social on March 31 for a conversation on building a resilient, equitable future!
bchealthcoalition.ca
Rising Heat, Rising Risk: Climate Change and Health Care in BC
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CAPE BC - Canadian Ass'n of Physicians for the Environment BC @cape-bc.bsky.social · 18/03/2026
Join us on Mar 31 for the launch of a new national campaign, LNG: Not in Our National Interest. Hear from movement leaders & experts why LNG projects don't make economic sense for Canada & learn how to get involved in the in-person Week of Action! stand-earth.zoom.us/webinar/regi...
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Redeye @redeyeradio.bsky.social · 06/03/2026
Saturday | 11:05 PT Dr. Sharon Dodd of CAPE @cape-acme.bsky.social on a court victory that protects the federal government’s ability to regulate plastic pollution. @cape-bc.bsky.social @cape-acme.bsky.social @ecojusticecanada.bsky.social @oceanacanada.bsky.social @environmentaldefence.ca
Six large shrink-wrapped pallets of plastic garbage in many colors. Crushed plastic bottles, rope, buoys etc.
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CAPE BC - Canadian Ass'n of Physicians for the Environment BC @cape-bc.bsky.social · 10/02/2026
British Columbians are ready to get gas out of buildings. New poll shows >75% want stronger climate policies & investment in climate-resilient housing with electric ✨heat pumps✨. Education & leadership can accelerate this change. @stand.earth @dogwoodbc.bsky.social @bcclimateemergency.bsky.social
nationalobserver.com
British Columbians want gas out of buildings, cleaner alternatives: poll
Polling clearly demonstrates that the higher your knowledge about the causes of climate change, the more likely you are to support climate policies.
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CAPE BC - Canadian Ass'n of Physicians for the Environment BC @cape-bc.bsky.social · 09/02/2026
BC kids deserve quality climate education in school. Last July, we sent a letter to Education Minister Lisa Beare, backed by 175+ signatories representing 53,000 people. But now, progress has stalled. Email Minister Beare today and urge her to prioritize climate education in our schools.
forourkids.ca
Support Climate Education in BC!
In July 2025, For Our Kids Vancouver and CAPE BC sent an open letter to the BC Minister of Education, Lisa Beare, in support of climate education in our public schools. Over 175 signatories added their names, including organizations representing over 53,000 people!
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CAPE BC - Canadian Ass'n of Physicians for the Environment BC @cape-bc.bsky.social · 20/01/2026
Happening tomorrow, Tuesday, January 19 -- and we're almost sold out! Get your (free) tickets before they're all gone.
act.cape.ca
Nechako Film Screening + Q&A with Filmmaker Lyana Patrick
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BC Climate Emergency Campaign @bcclimateemergency.bsky.social · 19/01/2026
Today we launched our 2025 Climate Action Progress Report, evaluating the #BCgov. The result? 8 failing grades, and 2 grades of minor progress. The worst outcome in 4 years. FULL REPORT: bcclimateemergency.ca/progress-rep... @cape-bc.bsky.social @myseatosky.bsky.social @ubcic.bsky.social
Four speakers hold up a chart that reads "2025 Progress Report; BC's Climate Emergency Response." They stand in front of Canada Place with fire banners behind them.
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CAPE BC - Canadian Ass'n of Physicians for the Environment BC @cape-bc.bsky.social · 06/01/2026
Join us Jan 20 for a screening of Nechako: It Will Be a Big River Again + Q&A with filmmaker Lyana Patrick (Stellat’en First Nation). A powerful look at Indigenous rights, ecosystem health, and community well-being. Free to attend but please RSVP!
act.cape.ca
Nechako Film Screening + Q&A with Filmmaker Lyana Patrick
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Canadian Association of Physicians for the Environment @cape-acme.bsky.social · 11/12/2025
Environmental risks may contribute to doctor shortages in communities on the frontlines of fossil fuel extraction, say CAPE doctors. loom.ly/IzOgvYU
thenarwhal.ca
Are environmental risks making Canada's doctor shortage worse? | The Narwhal
The doctor shortage is a national problem. Worries about health-care risks in industrial and disaster-prone areas may be a factor
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Regional Plan Association @rpa.org · 09/12/2025
Important, exciting research — air pollution dropped 22% in NYC's congestion relief zone within the first 6 months of #CongestionPricing (with reductions in the surrounding neighborhoods, too) Cleaner air, better transit, great data — all thanks to #CongestionPricing!
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CAPE BC - Canadian Ass'n of Physicians for the Environment BC @cape-bc.bsky.social · 10/12/2025
The deadline to send comments or sign up to speak is tonight at 5pm. Please take action right away!
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Vision Zero Vancouver @visionzerovancouver.ca · 05/12/2025
We worked with @lucymaloney.bsky.social on a motion coming to council on December 10 to ban right turns on red at high-risk intersections. This is a low-cost, common-sense measure that will save lives. We need your help to tell council this matters! visionzerovancouver.ca/2025/12/04/d...
visionzerovancouver.ca
Take Action: Restrict Right Turn on Red at High-Risk Intersections
On Wednesday, Vancouver Council will vote on a motion brought by Lucy Maloney to restrict right turn on red at the highest risk intersections for people who walk, bike and roll.
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CAPE BC - Canadian Ass'n of Physicians for the Environment BC @cape-bc.bsky.social · 08/12/2025
We submitted a letter to Vancouver City Council today supporting 3 motions to support safe streets, active transportation & public transit. These motions advance health, equity, & climate goals. Read the motions, email council, or sign up to speak here! council.vancouver.ca/20251210/cfs...
December 8, 2025
Vancouver City Council
City Hall
453 W 12th Ave
Vancouver, BC V5Y 1V4
Re: December 10 Council Motions on Active Transportation and Transit
Dear Mayor Sim and Members of Council,
We are writing on behalf of the Canadian Association of Physicians for the Environment - British Columbia (CAPE BC) and its hundreds of physician members across the province to express our strong support of three motions coming before Council on December 10:
Improve Public Safety for Everyone in Vancouver Through Safer Intersections
Supporting a Fare-Free Transit Route Pilot in Vancouver
Assessing Motor Vehicle Speeding Risk at Vancouver's Most Dangerous Intersections
Restricting Right Turn on Red at High-Risk Intersections
As physicians and health professionals, we recognize that road safety is fundamentally a public health issue. Between 2020 and 2024, 3,505 cyclists and 3,079 pedestrians were injured on Vancouver streets, with pedestrians and cyclists accounting for 60% of road fatalities, highlighting the urgent need for a comprehensive approach to road safety in our city. 
Restricting right-turn-on-red (RoR) at Vancouver’s most dangerous intersections is a simple, inexpensive, and evidence-based action that will prevent injuries and save lives.
RoR movements are well documented to increase collisions with people walking, biking, and rolling. The B.C. Ministry of Transportation cites research showing that RoR increases crashes with pedestrians by 60% and with cyclists by 100%. These collisions disproportionately harm seniors, children, and people with disabilities — groups already at higher risk of severe injury. 
Importantly, this motion targets locations where the risk is highest, and where RoR movements actively undermine safety treatments the City has already invested in. Allowing vehicles to turn through bike lanes or during leading pedestrian intervals (LPIs) creates conflict between 
vehicles and unprotected road users. Decades of global evidence, including Vancouver’s own studies, show that removing this conflict reduces injuries immediately and significantly. 
RoR was introduced in North America during the 1970s oil crisis to reduce idling and save fuel. However, modern vehicles, especially EVs, make any fuel‑saving benefits negligible, while the safety risks to pedestrians, cyclists, and other road users remain significant.
Assessing Speeding Risk at High-Risk Intersections
We also strongly support Councillor Orr’s motion directing staff to systematically assess speeding risk at the city’s most dangerous intersections.
Speed remains one of the strongest predictors of injury severity. For every 1 km/h increase in impact speed, the odds of pedestrian fatality increase by 11%. Identifying where dangerous speeds and collision histories overlap is a critical, evidence-driven step toward reducing serious injuries and deaths. A data-informed approach like this one is exactly the kind of upstream preventive action that municipalities can take to reduce traumatic injury, emergency department visits, and long-term disability. 
Safe active transportation infrastructure is essential for promoting healthier lifestyles while addressing climate change and air pollution. People walk and bike more when they feel safe, and that shift delivers major benefits, from reducing chronic disease to lowering emissions. This motion advances public health and climate goals simultaneously. 
Supporting a Fare-Free Bus Pilot on Key Vancouver Routes
CAPE BC also strongly supports Councillor Orr’s motion directing staff to work with TransLink on a one-year fare-free pilot on two or three bus routes.
Transit affordability is a public health issue. Access to reliable, affordable transportation increases access to medical care, healthy food, employment, education, and community connection, which are all key determinants of health. For low-income families, newcomers, youth, and s…A fare-free pilot is a practical, evidence-backed approach. Cities across North America and Europe have tested fare-free buses and consistently found lower barriers to essential trips, higher ridership, improved safety for operators and passengers, and stronger support for long-term transit investment. 
This proposed pilot focuses on routes that serve diverse, lower-income neighbourhoods. Selecting routes through an equity lens ensures the greatest health and mobility benefits for those who need them most.
Fare-free transit also strengthens climate action. Transportation is B.C.’s largest source of emissions, and shifting even a small share of short urban trips from cars to buses delivers meaningful reductions in air pollution and greenhouse gases. Mode shift also reduces traffic injuries, another major public health burden. 
Safe Active Transportation and Public Transit as Preventive Medicine
Beyond their individual merits, all three motions support a broader, well-documented public health priority: making active transportation and public transit safe, accessible, and appealing is preventive medicine.
Physical inactivity contributes to higher rates of diabetes, cardiovascular disease, and several cancers. Studies show that 150 to 300 minutes of moderate to vigorous physical activity per week can reduce the risk of premature death from all causes by 14% to 26%. Yet fewer than half of adults in Canada achieve recommended levels of physical activity.
Active transportation and public transit makes this achievable. A 2017 study following more than 250,000 people found that approximately 90% of cycling commuters and 54% of walking commuters met physical activity guidelines through their commutes alone. 
Transit trips also incorporate significant active movement. Studies show that transit users walk an average of 19 minutes daily as part of their commute, helping them meet recommended 
physical activity guidelines. This daily, built-in activity also improves mental health by reducing stress and enhancing overall wellbeing. 
Safety is a prerequisite for realizing these health benefits. 
Despite the benefits, safety concerns remain a primary barrier preventing more people from choosing active transportation. People will not choose to walk, bike, or take transit if the environment feels dangerous. By reducing risk at dangerous intersections and removing financial barriers to mobility, these motions work together to create the safe, accessible conditions required for healthier daily movement across the city.
As physicians, we see robust public transit and active transportation as comprehensive public health interventions that save lives, prevent serious injuries, improve physical and mental health, reduce pollution, and create more equitable communities. These two motions are practical, evidence-informed policies that will help Vancouver meet its commitments. CAPE BC urges Council to vote in favour of both motions and continue to centre public health, safety, and equity in transportation decision-making. 
Thank you for your consideration of these important public health issues.
Sincerely,
Dr. Melissa Lem, MD, CCFP, FCFP, Past President, Canadian Association of Physicians for the Environment
Dr. Kevin Liang, MD, CCFP, Co-Chair, Canadian Association of Physicians for the Environment - BC Committee
Dr. Bethany Ricker, MD, CCFP, Co-Chair, Canadian Association of Physicians for the Environment - BC Committee
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CAPE BC - Canadian Ass'n of Physicians for the Environment BC @cape-bc.bsky.social · 06/12/2025
Vancouver Council votes Dec 10 on 3 key motions: safer intersections (incl. right-on-red), assessing speeding at high-risk crossings, & a fare-free transit pilot. Big wins for health, equity, and climate. Email Council or sign up to speak and show your support! council.vancouver.ca/20251210/cfs...
On December 10, Vancouver votes on 3 motions for a safer, healthier city. Here’s why it matters. Motions 4 and 8 will make high-risk intersections safer. Simple design changes lead to big drops in injuries. Motion 7: pilot fare-free transit on key routes. Better access. Higher ridership. Less congestion. Transit costs hold people back. Fare-free routes help low income riders access work, school, food, and care. Take 2 minutes to make a difference. Email council or sign up to speak. Your voice can help shape a healthier, more sustainable Vancouver. Read the motions and take action: tinyurl.com/CoVtravel
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CAPE BC - Canadian Ass'n of Physicians for the Environment BC @cape-bc.bsky.social · 24/11/2025
We just submitted an open letter to Vancouver Council signed by 250+ residents, including >100 physicians & other health professionals, urging them to withdraw the proposed 2026 budget. The budget puts climate action, public health, & community safety at risk. @womentcities.bsky.social
drive.google.com
CAPE, CANE + WTC Letter to City of Vancouver on 2026 Budget.pdf
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CAPE BC - Canadian Ass'n of Physicians for the Environment BC @cape-bc.bsky.social · 24/11/2025
Last chance to sign!
docs.google.com
Letter to Vancouver Council on Budget 2026
Please sign this open letter from healthcare professionals and community advocates to Vancouver’s Mayor and Council regarding the proposed 2026 budget cuts. The letter highlights the serious health, e...
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CAPE BC - Canadian Ass'n of Physicians for the Environment BC @cape-bc.bsky.social · 24/11/2025
Vancouver Council votes this week on a budget that could slash programs supporting public health & climate action. We're submitting this open letter tomorrow. We have >200 signatures so far, including almost 100 health professionals. Help us reach 300 by morning! docs.google.com/forms/d/e/1F...
November 24, 2025

Dear Mayor Sim and Vancouver City Council,

We write to express deep concern about the proposed 2026 budget cuts that significantly reduce funding to departments responsible for public health, climate resilience, safety, and equity.

The draft budget proposes a 14% cut to Planning, Urban Design, and Sustainability; a 12% cut to Arts, Culture, and Community Services; a 13% cut to Real Estate, Environment, and Facilities Management; and a cut to Engineering. These departments deliver core services that protect people during extreme heat, reduce pollution, improve road safety, and support communities facing the greatest health risks. Cuts of this scale deepen existing inequities and place lives at risk.

The 2021 heat dome caused 619 deaths in British Columbia, overwhelmingly among seniors, people living alone and without indoor cooling, low-income renters, those with mental illness, and residents of neighbourhoods with limited tree cover. We know heat emergencies will become more frequent and more severe in the coming years. The departments facing cuts are home to programs – including building retrofits, tree canopy expansion, green infrastructure, cooling centres, and neighbourhood-level resilience planning – that are among the most effective public health tools we have. Reducing funding for these departments could delay life-saving interventions and increase climate-related health harms for those already most exposed.

Traffic violence remains one of the most persistent and preventable threats to public health and safety in Vancouver. Pedestrian injuries and deaths disproportionately affect lower-income neighbourhoods, and children, seniors, and people walking, cycling or using mobility aids bear the greatest burden. Cuts to planning, urban design, and engineering could delay or cancel projects such as safer crosswalks, signal upgrades, traffic-calming measures, and safe routes to schools. These interventions reduce serious injuries, save lives, a…all contribute to mental health, social connection, and crisis resilience. ACCS also coordinates critical work to support the health and safety of sex workers. Reducing this department’s capacity will directly harm communities that rely most on stable, accessible social support.

At the same time, the Park Board has been directed to absorb approximately $11 million in cuts, which threatens childcare facilities, recreational programming, and community centres that serve as lifelines during extreme heat and cold. Libraries, which require an additional $1.65 million to provide universal seven-day operations, are also essential cooling and warming centres, public washrooms, internet and communication hubs, and trusted spaces for seniors, youth, low-income families, and people without stable housing. Cuts to these frontline services would reduce Vancouver’s ability to protect residents during emergencies and deepen existing inequities in access to safe, healthy public spaces.

We are also concerned by information from city staff indicating the possible elimination of baby-changing tables and menstrual product dispensers in civic facilities. These are basic health supports, relied on most by women, caregivers, and families without discretionary income. Removing them would further widen health inequities.

If revenue shortfalls are offset through higher user fees, the burden will again fall disproportionately on those least able to pay: low-income families, newcomers, seniors, people with disabilities, and youth who rely on public programming and facilities the most. Equitable, climate-resilient cities cannot be built on regressive cost-shifting.

Finally, decisions of this magnitude, with major implications for health, equity, and climate justice require full transparency about which programs, staff, and services are affected before the November 25 vote.

We respectfully ask council to:
Release a clear and complete breakdown of all proposed cuts before the final vote
Prot…
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