Public heat warnings have often been impugned for not reaching people soon enough, or worse still, deluging them with contradictory advice
Heat waves are Canada’s deadliest form of extreme weather, a federal disaster database shows.
Some HARS clearly leave much to be desired. In June, a death review panel convened by the B.C. Coroners Service concluded last year’s extraordinary heat dome led to as many as 619 heat-related deaths, mostly of older people who lived alone and suffered from chronic diseases. Among its major findings was “a lag” between heat alerts issued by the federal Environment Ministry, and the responses of B.C.’s public agencies.
“Many of the recommendations from the panel’s report are complete or under way in preparation for this summer,” she wrote. Health Canada began providing guidance on developing HARS about 15 years ago. Soon afterward, Quebec introduced a system known as SUPREME, which created indicators relating to heat risks including socioeconomic characteristics of neighbourhoods such as population density, or the locations of urban heat islands . Alberta created its Heat Warning and Information System .
Just how many lives are saved by HARS is disputed. Some researchers have found them to be protective during heatwaves in France, Italy, China, India and elsewhere. According to an assessment on, an online data portal administered by Environment and Climate Change Canada and several partners, a heat wave in Quebec in 2018 caused less mortality and morbidity than one in 2010; its explanation included SUPREME, as well as increased adoption of air conditioning and other factors.
Further layers of complexity are introduced because some of the people most at risk during heat waves might be difficult to reach. Not everyone has a Twitter account, for instance, or a mobile phone. Many don’t speak English or French as their first language. Some are socially isolated and may not even answer a knock at the door.
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