A series of heat waves have swept through various parts of the country in mid-July. On Tuesday, regions in northern and southern Ontario, Quebec, and even the Northwest Territories were put on heat alert. Downtown Toronto experienced scorching temperatures of 36 C, making it the hottest spot in Canada based on initial data from Environment and Climate Change Canada. Although temperatures are not expected to soar that high, the heat is forecasted to persist until Thursday.
Determining heat-related deaths in Canada poses challenges due to the lack of a national coroner’s organization and a standardized reporting system nationwide. Each province and territory manages its own system, leading to inconsistencies in counting heat-related fatalities. This discrepancy raises issues with data accuracy and collection, as highlighted by Jacqueline Wilson, counsel at the Canadian Environmental Law Association (CELA).
The dilemma arises when distinguishing between deaths caused by underlying health conditions, such as heart disease, and those triggered by extreme heat. Different coroners may categorize the same incident differently, complicating the reporting of heat-related fatalities.
Climate scientist Andrew Dessler from the Texas Center for Extreme Weather at Texas A&M University explains the various methods used to tally heat-related deaths, including death certificate numbers, excess deaths, regression methods, and excessive heat deaths. These differing approaches can create confusion for the public trying to comprehend the impacts of extreme temperatures.
The frequency and duration of heat waves in Canada are projected to rise due to climate change. Continued reliance on fossil fuels contributes to global warming, exacerbating hazardous weather conditions.
Efforts to prevent heat-related deaths are outlined in the federal government’s National Adaptation Strategy, aiming to eradicate extreme heat wave fatalities by 2040. However, accurate data is crucial for effective prevention measures, as emphasized by a 2025 Health Canada study on heat-related morbidity and mortality limitations in data collection.
Following the 2021 heat-related deaths in British Columbia, significant changes were implemented to enhance response strategies, including providing air conditioners to vulnerable individuals, increasing funding for long-term care facilities, and implementing a standardized heat alert system. The proactive approach taken in B.C. demonstrates the impact of improved reporting on policy adjustments and public health outcomes.
The importance of accurate measurement and reporting of heat-related fatalities is underscored by global instances of excess heat-related deaths during extreme heat waves in Europe. As climate change intensifies, experts stress the necessity of precise documentation to assess the effectiveness of interventions and mitigate the impact of rising temperatures worldwide.