The vast contrasts and extremes of weather and climate in Canada have caused Canadians to be very conscious and conversant about weather and its frequent changes and possible effects on health and comfort. In a survey of 1500 people across the country, virtually all Canadians accept the weather-health link. However, they vary considerably in perceiving the impact of weather on their own health.

Some medical practitioners have regularly observed large clusters of ill-defined ailments amongst their patients, which seem suspiciously weather-related. Nevertheless, the medical profession in Canada as a whole remains mostly skeptical about using weather information as a tool in anticipating and alleviating weather-related discomfort and illness. A large volume of published literature from various countries showing weak statistical associations between various weather elements and virtually all sorts of ailments, with no demonstrated causality, has contributed significantly to doctors' skepticism.

Until recently, many health-care professionals believed that Canadians who are exposed to the risks of day-to-day weather fluctuations and extremes are very limited and manageable in number. This belief is changing after several recent weather events, which put additional stress on the already stressed health-care system (e.g. 1998 Ice Storm affecting nearly 4 million Canadians). Heat waves in neighboring U.S. cities killing hundreds of people and hospitalizing many more prompted city officials in Toronto, Canada to establish a Heat Warning Program.

The public health-care system in Canada is currently under review and possible reform. Human Biometeorology has an opportunity to play a positive role by providing scientifically credible health weather information to hospitals and general practitioners, as well as educate decision-makers and the general public, of illnesses that may be linked to the weather. This presentation will review the barriers in the way of stronger collaboration between the meteorological and health communities and will provide recommendations for healthy collaboration.