June heat wave was the deadliest weather event in Canadian history, experts say
CBC
After a record-breaking heat wave this summer, provincial health leaders acknowledge more needs to be done to prepare for more extreme weather to come.
According to Sarah Henderson, scientific director of B.C. Centre for Disease Control, the June heat dome was "the most deadly weather event in Canadian history."
"It's referred to as a 'one-in-a-thousand-year' event. But of course it's happened now. And it presents us with the obligation to develop and increase our collective resiliency," said Health Minister Adrian Dix in a panel discussion during the Union of B.C. Municipalities' virtual convention in September.
Between June 25 and July 1, temperatures rose above 40 C in many parts of the province, which according to the B.C. Coroners Service directly caused the deaths of 570 people.
Many people waited hours for ambulances as paramedics were stretched to their limits.
"It is a very stark reminder that climate change is real and that we need to take action together," said Provincial Health Officer Dr. Bonnie Henry during the event.
The largest increases in deaths due to the heat wave were seen in the Fraser and Vancouver Coastal Health Authorities, specifically in New Westminster, Burnaby and Vancouver, mostly in private residences.
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