Heat alert and response systems in Canada: A check-up on preparedness

Climate change is driving an increase in the frequency, duration, and intensity of extreme heat events in Canada, posing serious threats to public health. Preparing for extreme heat across the country, is now an essential part of climate adaptation. This presentation draws on findings from a pan-Canadian review of Heat Alert and Response Systems (HARS), which assessed their development and implementation across provincial, territorial, and regional public health authorities. Through a mixed-methods approach, combining web scans, national surveys, and key informant interviews, the review uncovered wide variation in the presence, transparency, and operationalization of HARS.

While many jurisdictions have plans or heat-health messaging in place, critical components such as community response, pre-season engagement, and system evaluation are often limited or absent. This presentation will highlight the reported barriers to advancing HARS, including limited resources, unclear roles and responsibilities, and communication challenges, as well as practical solutions and examples of promising practices to support more effective and equitable heat preparedness across Canada.