Canadian Association of Physicians for the Environment

The Canadian Association of Physicians for the Environment (CAPE) is a Canadian-based non-profit organization dedicated to environmental issues, especially as they relate to human health. The group was founded in 1994, and is composed of nearly 3 000 medical doctors and concerned citizens from across Canada. Its main focus is education of physicians and members of the public, sending delegates to scientific conferences, publishing opinion articles, talking to the media [1] [2] [3] [4] [5] , and disseminating educational materials (including a video on the hazards of lawn pesticides). It also makes presentations to parliamentary committees.

Mission

CAPE's current programme is focused on educating health professional on environmental issues, reducing pesticide use [1,4] , "greening" hospitals and health clinics, and developing organic agriculture and gardening.

Accomplishment

The Canadian Guide to Health and the Environment, (University of Alberta Press), a 322-page handbook that offers an overview of environmental health threats and how citizens can effectively respond to them. (1999) Launched the Canadian Coalition for Green Health Care, a network of groups committed to reducing the environmental impact of the health care sector. (2000)

Founding member of the Canadian Partnership for Children’s Health and Environment. (2001)

Initiated the "Changing the Environmental Impact of a Quebec CLSC" project. (2002) Provided expert testimony to the City of Toronto during its pesticide bylaw hearings. Thus, contributing to later passing of pesticide restrictions in Canada’s largest city. (2003)

Played a key educational role in the passage of Peterborough’s pesticide bylaw, named “the strongest pesticide bylaw in Canada” by the Canadian Environmental Law Association. (2004-2005)

Received 2006 Canadian Environment Award (Gold) for cross-Canada pesticide education work. The Award was given by Canadian Geographic Magazine and the Government of Canada.

Received 2007 "Virtuoso Award" from the International Association of Business Communicators for creating a campaign to ban lawn pesticides in London, Ontario.

Received 2008 "Shared Interest Award" from Citizens Bank of Canada for general environmental protection work.

Played key role in the education of legislators of the province of Ontario leading to the Ontario Pesticide Law. (2008)

Media References

1. Get tougher on toxic chemicals, scientists urge PMCritics say new federal plan doesn't commit Ottawa to act; may not protect consumers or environmentMonday, December 11, 2006CBCNews.com

2. Q&A answers on Bisphenol A now availableApril 28, 2008 GlobeandMail.com

3. MPPs pass pesticide ban before recessOpposition leaders take parting shots at Liberals as provincial politicians head home for the summerJun 19, 2008 04:30 AM TheStar.com

4. Weeding out the options in a thorny issueMay 25, 2007 Globe and Mail

5. Global warming to hit nether regionsJuly 15,2008Patrick WhiteGlobe an Mail