Statement from Canada’s Chief Public Health Officer on the Launch of the Infectious Diseases and Climate Change Fund

September 13, 2017 – Ottawa, ON – Public Health Agency of Canada

OTTAWA – I am pleased to share that the Public Health Agency of Canada has launched the Invitation to Submit Funding Requests for the new Infectious Diseases and Climate Change Fund.

Climate change poses a significant risk to the health and well-being of Canadians and its impacts are being felt across Canada. In fact, climate change is frequently being identified as a key driver of serious climate-driven infectious diseases, such as Lyme disease.

Through the Infectious Disease and Climate Change Fund, we are looking for projects that will address the current gaps in knowledge, as well as evidence-based interventions, particularly for vulnerable populations and communities. The focus will be on climate-related infectious diseases in Canada that are zoonotic, vector-borne, food-borne or water-borne.

I encourage the provinces and territories, health organizations, municipalities and academia to submit project proposals by September 29, 2017. For more information about the Fund and to submit a proposal, please visit our website for the complete application package.

Addressing climate change-related health risks is part of the Government of Canada’s Pan-Canadian Framework on Clean Growth and Climate Change. I am confident that our investments will help Canadians, communities and health professionals access timely and accurate information to better understand their risks and to take measures to protect themselves.

Dr. Theresa Tam
Canada’s Chief Public Health Officer

NT5