June 2026

Climate adaptation and Indigenous food safety in Canada:
Current approaches and the role of environmental public health

This report examines how food safety, particularly Indigenous food safety, is reflected in climate adaptation planning across Canada and identifies key gaps in addressing climate-related risks. It highlights the role of Environmental Public Health Professionals and provides recommendations to strengthen climate policy and adaptation planning.

Upcoming webinar

How well do buildings protect occupants during wildfire smoke episodes?

July 9, 2026 | 12:00 – 1:00 PM Pacific Time

Ryan Huff, PhD
National Collaborating Centre for Environmental Health

Register free

Research scan

Announcements

Climate Action and Awareness Fund

Environment and Climate Change Canada (ECCC) is launching a new call for applications for a funding opportunity to engage experts in environmental science and advance projects that address critical environmental issues, such as climate change and nature. As part of the Canada Environmental Science Opportunity, over $15 million in funding is available to support projects focused on research and analysis that advance Canada’s path to #NetZero.

Application deadline: July 7, 2026, 15:00 ET.
More information is available here. 

New Senate Report
Canada on fire: The catastrophic and escalating effects of wildfires on lives and communities

The Standing Senate Committee on Agriculture and Forestry has recently completed a long-term study on the growing issue of wildfires in Canada and the consequential effects that wildfires have on forestry and agriculture industries, as well as rural and Indigenous communities. NCCEH Scientific Director, Dr. Sarah Henderson provided evidence to inform the report, emphasizing that “the health effects of wildfires are not uniformly distributed within the population; they have disproportionate effects on people who are more susceptible and vulnerable.”

For more, see the full report.

WHO Heat–health action plans: Guidance, second edition

In June 2026, the World Health Organization (WHO) released the second, updated edition of its Heat–Health Action Plans (HHAPs) guidance. This framework supports national and local authorities to anticipate extreme heat events, protect populations facing disproportionate risks, and strengthen health systems against the growing threats of climate change.

The updated framework is structured around eight core elements on governance, Heat-Health Warning Systems, at-risk populations, communication strategies, health system resilience, exposure reduction, real-time surveillance, and evaluation.

To support these core elements, the guidance also contains “user action briefs” for five domains: health, occupational, urban/built environment, social care, and education/childcare. Finally, the document contains a public health message bank for use across sectors.

Guidance on upper indoor temperature limits: Protecting the health of older adults

Over the past several years, the Climate Change and Health Office at Health Canada has undertaken extensive work to close evidence gaps related to indoor heat exposure among vulnerable populations. Through supporting scientific research and collaboration with national and international partners, this work has informed the development of guidance aimed at protecting older adults.

The guidance recommends an upper indoor temperature threshold of 26°C for older adults. It has undergone multiple peer reviews.

As a non‑prescriptive resource, the document is intended to support evidence‑based action for public health officials and other decision makers who choose to develop policies or strategies to reduce heat‑related health risks for older adults. It does not impose any requirements.

Copies in both official languages are available at the following links:

• English: Guidance on upper indoor temperature limits: Protecting the health of older adults - Canada.ca
• French: Directives sur les limites supérieures de température intérieure : Protéger la santé des personnes âgées - Canada.ca

Webinar recording

Five years after the 2021 heat dome: Building evidence to motivate action

External events

See more external events

Please note that not all information is available in both official languages as the source of the information may not be subject to the Official Languages Act.

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