Who we are
CASCADES catalyzes climate action in healthcare by collaborating with Canada’s healthcare community to deliver high-quality, low-carbon, sustainable, climate-resilient care.
CASCADES, in collaboration with partner academic institutions, coordinates and stewards the Pan-Canadian Network on Health System Response to Climate Change.
We sustain our work through in-kind contributions from university and healthcare partners, donations, and research funds.
Our Vision
Our vision is a pan-Canadian health system that supports a healthy planet, is caring and equitable, and serves communities so that they thrive.
Our work supports the Canadian healthcare community in making this vision a reality.
Our Mission
Is to strengthen the capacity of Canada’s healthcare community to transition toward high-quality, low-carbon, sustainable, and climate-resilient care.
High
quality
The highest quality health system is universal, equitable, appropriate, person centred, integrated across sectors, timely and effective
Low
carbon
A net-zero health system that removes climate-altering greenhouse gases from health products, services, infrastructure, and supply chains
Climate
resilient
A health system capable of adapting to climate shocks and stresses through proactive and positive improvements
Sustainable
A health system that minimizes negative impacts on the environment and leverages opportunities to restore and improve it, contributing to healthier ecosystems and communities
Our Values
We value rigour
CASCADES’ work is scientific, and evidence informed.
We value quality
CASCADES’ work is aligned with the core principles of quality care (safe, effective, efficient, patient-centered, timely and equitable).
We value collaboration.
CASCADES’ work is interdisciplinary, equitable and relational.
History of CASCADES
In June 2021, CASCADES was launched with support from Environment and Climate Change Canada’s Environmental Damages Fund, bringing together five partner organizations.
CASCADES’ first year ran from April 1, 2021 to March 31, 2022. Here’s how we measured up:
- 32Innovation champions engaged.
- 53Healthcare workers trained to identify and act on sustainable healthcare opportunities
- 19 Public talks and panels
- 1,048People who participated in our knowledge translation and networking opportunities.
- 3Media appearances and mentions
Playbooks Published
CASCADES’ second year ran from April 1, 2022 to March 31, 2023. Here’s how we measured up:
- 156Innovation champions engaged.
- 180 Healthcare workers trained to identify and act on sustainable healthcare opportunities
- 54 Public talks and panels
- 2731People who participated in our knowledge translation and networking opportunities.
- 16Media appearances and mentions
Published Playbooks
CASCADES’ second year ran from April 1, 2022 to March 31, 2023. Here’s how we measured up:
- 67Innovation champions engaged.
- 336Healthcare workers trained to identify and act on sustainable healthcare opportunities
- 42Public talks and panels
- 6844People who participated in our knowledge translation and networking opportunities.
- 25Media appearances and mentions
Published Playbooks
CASCADES’ fourth year ran from April 1, 2024 to March 31, 2025. Here’s how we measured up:
- 227Innovation champions engaged.
- 1180Healthcare workers trained to identify and act on sustainable healthcare opportunities
- 60Public talks and panels
- 1048People who participated in our knowledge translation and networking opportunities.
- 28Media appearances and mentions
Published Playbooks
CASCADES’ fifth year ran from April 1, 2025 to March 31, 2026. Here’s how we measured up:
- 283Innovation champions engaged.
- 1561Healthcare workers trained to identify and act on sustainable healthcare opportunities
- 54 Public talks and panels
- 3864People who participated in our knowledge translation and networking opportunities.
- 33Media appearances and mentions
Playbooks Published
In November 2025, CASCADES launched the Pan-Canadian Network on Health System Response to Climate Change. This Network connects health system leaders, planetary health experts, and researchers to support collaborative exchange across Canada. We advance shared learning and drive coordinated, evidence-informed action, helping organizations strengthen their capacity to respond to climate change in ways that are coherent, aligned, and tailored to local needs.
Launched in November 2025, the Pan-Canadian Network on Health System Response to Climate Change brings together health leaders, planetary health experts, and researchers to support collaborative action across the country.
In January 2026, the Coordination and Support Team composed of 11 members, representing CASCADES and partner academic institutions and their affiliated healthcare organizations, held its first monthly meeting to support Network activities, including the development of a framework for operating a working group, the convening of exploratory discussions on additional topics of interest, and the coordination of knowledge dissemination activities.
The CASCADES staff and our academic partners, will collaborate to provide project management and coordination support, lead research activities and knowledge dissemination efforts, and explore and pursue funding opportunities.
This team will also support the publication of a monthly community newsletter showcasing the contributions and impacts of the Pan-Canadian Network.