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cape-bc.bsky.social
CAPE BC - Canadian Ass'n of Physicians for the Environment BC
@cape-bc.bsky.social
1.4K followers 690 following 130 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.bsky.social
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!
Nechako Film Screening + Q&A with Filmmaker Lyana Patrick
act.cape.ca
January 6, 2026 at 9:55 PM
Reposted by CAPE BC - Canadian Ass'n of Physicians for the Environment BC
cape-acme.bsky.social
Environmental risks may contribute to doctor shortages in communities on the frontlines of fossil fuel extraction, say CAPE doctors.
https://loom.ly/IzOgvYU
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
thenarwhal.ca
December 11, 2025 at 3:05 PM
Reposted by CAPE BC - Canadian Ass'n of Physicians for the Environment BC
rpa.org
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!
December 9, 2025 at 5:14 PM
cape-bc.bsky.social
The deadline to send comments or sign up to speak is tonight at 5pm. Please take action right away!
cape-bc.bsky.social CAPE BC - Canadian Ass'n of Physicians for the Environment BC @cape-bc.bsky.social · Dec 6
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
December 10, 2025 at 12:15 AM
Reposted by CAPE BC - Canadian Ass'n of Physicians for the Environment BC
visionzerovancouver.ca
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...
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.
visionzerovancouver.ca
December 5, 2025 at 2:21 AM
cape-bc.bsky.social
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
December 8, 2025 at 8:38 PM
cape-bc.bsky.social
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
December 6, 2025 at 3:02 PM
cape-bc.bsky.social
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
CAPE, CANE + WTC Letter to City of Vancouver on 2026 Budget.pdf
drive.google.com
November 24, 2025 at 9:46 PM
cape-bc.bsky.social
Last chance to sign!
November 24, 2025 at 4:34 PM
cape-bc.bsky.social
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…
November 24, 2025 at 12:50 AM
Reposted by CAPE BC - Canadian Ass'n of Physicians for the Environment BC
mzjacobson.bsky.social
Why carbon capture increases CO2, air pollution, fossil mining, fossil infrastructure, energy costs, and social costs.

CC is neither needed or helpful.

The Myth of Carbon Capture and Storage
Podcast with @jennyyeremiy.bsky.social

www.youtube.com/watch?v=6X5M...
The Myth of Carbon Capture and Storage: Justifying New Fossil Fuel Development
YouTube video by The Gravity Well with Jenny Yeremiy
www.youtube.com
November 22, 2025 at 4:46 PM
Reposted by CAPE BC - Canadian Ass'n of Physicians for the Environment BC
stand.earth
When it comes to climate change, methane is a notorious super-polluter.

And LNG, which stands for liquefied "natural gas", is primarily made up of...you guessed it...methane. 😷
Can methane cuts pull us back from the brink of climate breakdown?
With temperatures breaching the Paris limit, experts say tackling the powerful gas could buy crucial time as the clean-energy shift stalls
www.theguardian.com
November 22, 2025 at 6:46 PM
Reposted by CAPE BC - Canadian Ass'n of Physicians for the Environment BC
stand.earth
We’re just going to say it: this Vancouver community is AMAZING.

When we found out about Mayor Sim’s austerity budget and sneaky plan to pass it, we weren’t sure we could respond effectively in time.

Turns out, we didn’t need to worry. 🧵
November 21, 2025 at 8:15 PM
Reposted by CAPE BC - Canadian Ass'n of Physicians for the Environment BC
canadahealthwatch.ca
The B.C. CDC wants to hear from residents with climate-related health concerns https://vancouversun.com/news/bc-cdc-residents-climate-related-health-concerns

𝗚𝗲𝘁 𝘄𝗲𝗲𝗸𝗹𝘆 𝘂𝗽𝗱𝗮𝘁𝗲𝘀 ⇢ CanadaHealthwatch.ca/newsletter
File
November 20, 2025 at 9:18 PM
cape-bc.bsky.social
Over 600 Vancouver residents signed up to speak about the city’s 2026 draft austerity budget, but we still need your voice! Sign our open letter urging council to protect public health, climate resilience, and essential services. Deadline: Sunday EOD.
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...
docs.google.com
November 20, 2025 at 8:01 PM
Reposted by CAPE BC - Canadian Ass'n of Physicians for the Environment BC
margiesanderson.bsky.social
Do you also think the draft Vancouver budget stinks? Join us next Tuesday, November 25th at 9am for a diaper change-in at city hall. This city should be for everyone, babies included.

cc @womentcities.bsky.social @claraprager.bsky.social @stand.earth @cape-bc.bsky.social @michellecyca.com
Images in black and white of babies, diapers, and diaper pins adorn a purple and yellow graphic that says "This budget stinks! We demand a change. Join the WTC & Friends' Diaper Change-in at City Hall. November 25th, 9-10:30am, 453 W. 12th Ave. Enter on West 12th and meet in lobby. The centre of the graphic includes a news headline from CTV news "Removing fixtures from some public washrooms pitched as part of cutting Vancouver's budget"
November 19, 2025 at 5:29 AM
cape-bc.bsky.social
Over 600 people signed up to speak to Vancouver council on the proposed 2026 budget, demanding transparency & protections for health, climate safety, & community wellbeing. Sign your name to the open letter from CAPE BC & our friends at @cane-bc.bsky.social & @womentcities.bsky.social !
Letter to Vancouver Council Urging Rework of 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...
docs.google.com
November 18, 2025 at 9:17 PM
Reposted by CAPE BC - Canadian Ass'n of Physicians for the Environment BC
snarkysteff.bsky.social
So annoyed about this LNG project.

We’re destroying nature for something that has the shelf life of 10 years in a clean-energy world.
cape-bc.bsky.social CAPE BC - Canadian Ass'n of Physicians for the Environment BC @cape-bc.bsky.social · Nov 17
Canada is pouring billions into LNG megaprojects while the rest of the world moves on. This CleanTechnica piece shows how public money is propping up fossil exports instead of building the clean, resilient economy we actually need.
Nation-Building or Asset Stranding: What Canada’s Latest Megaprojects Tell Us - CleanTechnica
Canada’s new megaprojects focus on LNG expansion over clean infrastructure. A national HVDC spine offers a stronger path for growth and climate alignment.
cleantechnica.com
November 17, 2025 at 4:48 PM
cape-bc.bsky.social
Canada is pouring billions into LNG megaprojects while the rest of the world moves on. This CleanTechnica piece shows how public money is propping up fossil exports instead of building the clean, resilient economy we actually need.
Nation-Building or Asset Stranding: What Canada’s Latest Megaprojects Tell Us - CleanTechnica
Canada’s new megaprojects focus on LNG expansion over clean infrastructure. A national HVDC spine offers a stronger path for growth and climate alignment.
cleantechnica.com
November 17, 2025 at 4:44 PM
Reposted by CAPE BC - Canadian Ass'n of Physicians for the Environment BC
cape-ab.bsky.social
A new op-ed from CAPE AB Co-Chair Dr. Julia Sawatzky cuts through the hype: gas-powered AI data centres mean more air pollution, more toxic chemicals, and more pressure on rural & Indigenous communities. Alberta deserves a cleaner vision.
Opinion: Alberta's AI boom poses hidden health, environmental risks
Today, I'm concerned about a growing threat to health: the rush to build gas-powered AI data centres across Alberta.
edmontonjournal.com
November 14, 2025 at 8:16 PM
cape-bc.bsky.social
One more hour to sign up to speak!
cape-bc.bsky.social CAPE BC - Canadian Ass'n of Physicians for the Environment BC @cape-bc.bsky.social · Nov 11
The only opportunity for the public to comment on this budget is at a special council meeting this Wednesday, November 12, at 9:30 am. And the deadline to register is Tuesday at 5pm! Sign up to speak here: 2/
Request to speak at a Council meeting
Request to speak at a Council meeting
vancouver.ca
November 12, 2025 at 12:00 AM
Reposted by CAPE BC - Canadian Ass'n of Physicians for the Environment BC
rhifaux.bsky.social
Tomorrow is the only opportunity for the public to speak out on this tragedy of a budget. Over 300 people have signed up so far. If enough people speak out, the hope is that the vote will be delayed. Please sign up! You can speak over the phone; it’s easy. Deadline to sign up is today at 5pm.
November 11, 2025 at 7:27 PM
cape-bc.bsky.social
We’ve just learned that Mayor Ken Sim plans to eliminate Vancouver’s entire Climate and Sustainability Office under his “Zero Means Zero” budget. This would gut the city’s climate team and undo decades of work that protect residents’ health and safety. www.nationalobserver.com/2025/11/11/n...
November 11, 2025 at 4:57 AM
cape-bc.bsky.social
Cuts hit building retrofits, heat protection, active transportation, EV charging, childcare, and rec programs. These austerity measures make our city less safe, less fair, and less resilient. Tell council to prioritize health, climate, and equity in the upcoming budget. 3/
November 11, 2025 at 2:10 AM
cape-bc.bsky.social
The only opportunity for the public to comment on this budget is at a special council meeting this Wednesday, November 12, at 9:30 am. And the deadline to register is Tuesday at 5pm! Sign up to speak here: 2/
Request to speak at a Council meeting
Request to speak at a Council meeting
vancouver.ca
November 11, 2025 at 2:10 AM