UBCM has confirmed the panelists for a workshop on B.C.’s extreme heat event of 2021. Adrian Dix, Minister of Health, will be joined by the Provincial Health Officer, Dr. Bonnie Henry; BCCDC’s Scientific Director of Environmental Health Services Dr. Sarah Henderson; meteorologist & science reporter Johanna Wagstaffe; Councillor Patrick Johnstone (New Westminster) and Mayor Barbara Roden (Ashcroft) to explore what has been learned in response to the 2021 heat dome.
Earlier this year, the province experienced an extreme heat wave, leading to unprecedented temperatures and more than 570 heat-related fatalities. All orders of government were left scrambling to address the immediate impacts, while long-standing systemic vulnerabilities (e.g., emergency response, communication) and a lack of preparedness became even more evident. This session will discuss what can be done to adequately prepare for future extreme weather events in the face of worsening climate change and global warming.
Adrian Dix was first elected as MLA for Vancouver-Kingsway in 2005 and re-elected in 2009, 2013, 2017 and 2020. He is the Minister of Health and Minister Responsible for Francophone Affairs. Dix served as Leader of the Official Opposition from 2011 to 2014. During this time, he proposed a B.C.-wide colorectal cancer screening program, insulin pump coverage for young adults and lower generic drug prices, all of which became provincial policy.
Dr. Bonnie Henry was appointed as British Columbia’s Provincial Health Officer in 2018 following three years as the Deputy Provincial Health Officer. As BC’s most senior public health official, Dr. Henry is responsible for monitoring the health of all British Columbians and undertaking measures for disease prevention and control and health protection. Most recently has led the province’s response on the COVID-19 pandemic and drug overdose emergency.
Dr. Sarah Henderson is the Scientific Director of Environmental Health Services at the BC Centre for Disease Control. She leads a program of applied public health research and surveillance to support evidence-based environmental policy for the province, and has been studying the health effects of extreme hot weather in BC since 2009.
Johanna Wagstaffe is the meteorologist and science reporter for CBC News Network and CBC Vancouver. In addition to weather news, Wagstaffe's background in seismology and earth science has led her to cover major earthquakes, hurricanes, wildfires and the UN Climate Change conferences. She has hosted several award-winning CBC podcasts including: 'Fault Lines' and '2050: Degrees of Change'. She has just released her latest podcast series: 'Beaches and Mountains' available on CBC Listen.
Councillor Patrick Johnstone Patrick Johnstone is serving his second term on New Westminster’s Council. Johnstone is a professional geoscientist; the Chair of the Community Energy Association, a non-profit that provides climate action solutions to communities across Western Canada; and the First Vice President of the Lower Mainland Local Government Association.
Mayor Barbara Roden is a journalist and editor of The Ashcroft-Cache Creek Journal. Roden received the Jack Webster Award for Community Reporting in 2018. She previously served one term as Councillor and elected as Mayor 2018.