Red Cross applauds the Government of Canada’s release of the National Adaptation Strategy

The Canadian Red Cross applauds the Government of Canada for releasing the official National Adaptation Strategy (NAS). Today’s announcement signals continued momentum in addressing risks associated with climate change in Canada through a whole-of-society approach. This strategy will help to advance action and establish better preparedness for individuals and communities, and help to build resilience to climate events.  
 
Through our work, the Canadian Red Cross has seen the devastating impacts of climate-related disasters and emergencies on individuals, families, and communities in Canada. The unprecedented wildfires this spring and summer are a stark example of the impact climate change is having on individuals and communities across the country. 

The Red Cross has been supporting response efforts to this year’s wildfires in Alberta, Saskatchewan, Manitoba, Ontario, Quebec, and Nova Scotia. Our extensive experience supporting people living in Canada shows that more action is needed to help them recover and build resilience at the community level. We know that recovery is often more complex, costly, and longer than anticipated. As a part of the Disaster Resilience and Security Advisory Table for the NAS, the Red Cross has shared our experience to identify the barriers and steps to resolve gaps in recovery.  We welcome the inclusion of a National Recovery Strategy as well as the targets set out in the NAS to reduce recovery time, which at present takes an average of two years after large scale events. Although the NAS is a critical step forward, we need to ensure these initiatives and targets are quickly implemented and adequately funded.
 
We also welcome the commitment to the Sendai framework and whole of society engagement and feel heard in our advocacy to focus on human impacts. We echo the importance of build forward better and proactive adaptation.

The Canadian Red Cross will continue to work with partners to advocate for meaningful and immediate changes that will help individuals, families, communities, organizations, and governments better adapt to the increasing impact of climate-related events in Canada.  
 
 
About the Canadian Red Cross
Here in Canada and overseas, the Red Cross stands ready to help people before, during and after a disaster. As a member of the International Red Cross and Red Crescent Movement – which is made up of the International Federation of Red Cross and Red Crescent Societies, the International Committee of the Red Cross and 192 national Red Cross and Red Crescent societies – the Canadian Red Cross is dedicated to helping people and communities in Canada and around the world in times of need, and supporting them in strengthening their resilience.
 
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