Equitable Access to Green Spaces

March 2022
Health Promotion & Public Health | Resolution

Doctors of BC supports efforts to increase access to green spaces in British Columbia and recommends that stakeholders at all levels coordinate to ensure green space planning incorporates equity-based considerations, including:

(a) Ensuring that access to green spaces is equitable for all British Columbians, including those living in Indigenous and rural communities, those with disabilities, and lower-income residents.
(b) Ensuring that British Columbians of all identities feel both physically and psychologically safe in using green spaces.
(c) Where possible and appropriate, developing covered, weather-protected areas in green spaces that can be accessed freely and year-round.

Climate Change and Human Health

June 2021
Health Promotion & Public Health | Policy Statement
PDF icon Link (411.45 KB)

Doctors of BC Position: Doctors of BC recognizes the significant impact climate change has on human health and the need for everyone to work to reduce the rate at which climate change occurs. As such, Doctors of BC policy supports climate change prevention, mitigation and adaption measures. This includes reducing greenhouse gas emissions across the health care system, identifying the potential impacts of climate change through physician training and health impact assessments to maximize potential health benefits and reduce risks. Watch this animated video for an overview of our policy.

Improving Collaboration in Times of Crisis: Integrating Physicians in Disaster Preparedness and Health Emergency Management

November 2018
Disaster and Health Emergency Planning | Policy Paper
PDF icon Link (1.85 MB)

Doctors of BC Position: Doctors and other health care providers play a critical role when disasters strike. Doctors of BC recommends raising physician awareness of training and leadership opportunities, promoting practical resources to prepare physicians for emergencies, and by promoting CME training on emergency preparedness planning. To better incorporate the health system in emergency preparedness planning, a Health Emergency Framework should be developed.

Assessing the Health and Environmental Impact of Major Land Use Developments

January 2005
Health Promotion & Public Health | Resolution

Doctors of BC Position: Doctors of BC requests the Government to require BC municipalities to place equal consideration and value on both the health and environmental impact of major new land use developments during the approval processes under the powers conferred by the Community Charter and the Local Government Act in order to plan for and promote healthy communities.

Placing a High Priority on Reducing Harmful Agents in Drinking Water Supplies

January 2005
Health Promotion & Public Health | Resolution

Doctors of BC Position: Doctors of BC recommends that the Government place a high priority on reducing the levels of harmful agents such as protozoa, bacteria, viruses, and disinfection by-products, as well as naturally occurring elements in drinking water supplies at local, provincial/territorial, and national levels.