Climate change presents complex economic and political challenges for Canada's public health system. As temperatures shift and extreme weather events intensify, the country faces increasing pressures on its healthcare infrastructure, economic stability, and policy frameworks. This environmental crisis particularly affects Canada through heightened heat extremes, severe weather events, and changing precipitation patterns, all of which strain public health resources and require coordinated responses across jurisdictions.
This section examines the historical interplay between environmental changes and public health in Canada, focusing specifically on two key areas: the economic challenges posed by extreme weather events and fossil fuel dependence, and the political hurdles facing public health officials in implementing effective climate action. Through this analysis, we explore how various policies and institutional practices have both supported and complicated Canada's public health response to environmental changes.
Extreme weather events present growing economic challenges for Canada, straining public resources and impacting infrastructure, public health, and economic growth. These disasters, enhanced by fossil fuels, disrupt industries, supply chains, and employment while disproportionately affecting vulnerable communities. As the frequency and intensity of such events increase due to climate change, the associated economic burdens are becoming a pressing concern for policymakers and public health officials alike.
Economically, extreme weather events—like wildfires and floods—are placing an immense burden on public resources, impacting infrastructure and healthcare costs. For example, natural disasters are expected to slow Canada’s GDP growth by up to $25 billion annually by 2025, which is equivalent to half of the projected growth. These events not only damage property but also disrupt supply chains and create job losses, particularly affecting low-income communities that are less able to adapt or recover from these shocks. As a result, costs related to health services, emergency response, and long-term public health care are escalating, further straining public resources.
Low-income communities, already facing systemic health inequities, are particularly vulnerable to these impacts due to limited access to safe housing, clean water, and adaptive resources. Public health institutions must address these inequities by focusing on prevention (e.g., heatwave response plans, evacuation protocols) and recovery (e.g., community health outreach, mental health support). The escalating costs tied to health services, emergency preparedness, and long-term public health programs underscore the critical role of public health in building resilience and mitigating the health consequences of extreme weather events.