Royal College convenes coalition of experts and partner organizations to advance learning in planetary health
A national coalition of planetary health experts and partner organizations have come together to promote a move toward a low carbon health system through a coordinated approach to health care education.
The Royal College of Physicians and Surgeons of Canada was honoured to host a meeting today of the newly formed coalition to discuss the Government of Canada’s National Adaptation Strategy: Building Resilient Communities and a Strong Economy and the integration of planetary health into health care professional education. Federal Minister of Health Jean-Yves Duclos, and Assistant Deputy Minister Matt Jones attended the coalition meeting to outline the Government’s action plan to address a climate resilient Canada through the health and wellbeing of our communities, one of the five priority areas outlined in the strategy.
“Climate change poses one of the biggest threats to human health,” said Minister Duclos. “As their effects become more severe, we must work together to protect public health and adapt our health systems. I look forward to this continued engagement with the Royal College of Physicians and Surgeons of Canada’s coalition to advance planetary health learning.”
“Planetary health is a key strategic priority for the Royal College. We appreciated hearing more about the strategy and the specific health care goals from Minister Duclos today,” said Guylaine Lefebvre, MD, FRCSC, executive director of the Office of Learning and Connecting at the Royal College. “We look forward to working with the Minister and our colleagues to advance learning across the health system.”
Husein Moloo, MD, FRCSC, Physician Lead for Planetary Health at the Royal College and interim director of Planetary Health at the University of Ottawa’s Faculty of Medicine, said: “Physicians can play a leadership role in planetary health. However, we have greater impact when we learn and implement changes together. Making health systems and our facilities environmentally sustainable and resilient to climate change, better serves the patients we care for.”
The coalition will examine health care professional education in planetary health and identify the opportunities and barriers to align their work toward a low carbon health care system. The Royal College is also committed to supporting, sharing and amplifying planetary health learning for physicians and across the health care system. Follow the Royal College on Twitter @Royal_College and @College_royal or visit royalcollege.ca for more information.
Coalition Members
Association of Faculties of Medicine of Canada (AFMC)
Association québécoise des médecins pour l’environnement (AQME)
Canadian Association of Nurses for the Environment (CANE)
Canadian Association of Occupational Therapists (CAOT)
Canadian Association of Physicians for the Environment (CAPE)
Canadian Association of Pharmacists for the Environment (CAPhE)
Canadian Medical Association (CMA)
CASCADES
Canadian Coalition for Green Healthcare (CCGHC)
Canadian College of Health Leaders (CCHL)
Choosing Wisely Canada
Collège des médecins du Québec (CMQ)
College of Family Physicians of Canada (CFPC)
HealthCareCAN
Organizations for Health Action (HEAL)
Synergie Santé Environnement (SSE)
About the Government of Canada’s National Adaptation Strategy: Building Resilient Communities and a Strong Economy
- National Adaptation Strategy: Building Resilient Communities and a Strong Economy
https://www.canada.ca/en/services/environment/weather/climatechange/climate-plan/national-adaptation-strategy.html
Includes: backgrounder, action plan, full strategy - News release from Environment and Climate Change Canada (November 24, 2022)
https://www.canada.ca/en/environment-climate-change/news/2022/11/canadas-national-adaptation-strategy-will-protect-communities-and-build-a-strong-economy.html
For media inquiries:
The Royal College of Physicians and Surgeons of Canada
Melissa Nisbett
Communications Advisor
mnisbett@royalcollege.ca
613-218-9570
Office of the Minister of Health
Marie-France Proulx
Press Secretary, Minister of Health
marie-france.proulx@hc-sc.gc.ca
613-957-0200
