Climate impacts are intensifying in cities – from extreme heat and poor air quality to severe weather – and disproportionately affect older adults, people living with chronic illness, and structurally disadvantaged communities. This panel explores how public health agencies, healthcare organizations, community organizations, researchers, and cross-sector partners are advancing urban resilience in the context of accelerating climate change. Featuring examples from Toronto, speakers will highlight innovative approaches to 1) climate-health surveillance, 2) integrated health system responses to extreme heat, 3) leveraging Naturally Occurring Retirement Communities (NORCs) to support older adults, and 4) cultivating an ecosystem approach that connects government, community organizations, funders, and other key actors to strengthen preparedness and response for equity-deserving communities.
Together, these examples demonstrate how evidence, local knowledge, and cross-sector collaboration can strengthen equitable, place-based responses to climate-related health risks and build healthier, more resilient communities.
Moderator
Michelle Murti, MPH, MD
Michelle Murti is Toronto’s Medical Officer of Health, where she leads Toronto Public Health, Canada’s largest local public health agency, in delivering services that protect and promote the health of all who live, work, study and play in Toronto.
Michelle is a public health and preventive medicine physician with extensive leadership experience across Canada and internationally. Her previous roles include Associate Chief Medical Officer of Health for the Province of Ontario, Medical Director of Health Protection at Public Health Ontario, and Medical Health Officer with Fraser Health in British Columbia. Internationally, she has served as an Epidemic Intelligence Service Officer at the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, Atlanta.
Dr. Murti holds a Doctor of Medicine degree and a master’s degree in public health and is a Fellow of the Royal College of Physicians and Surgeons of Canada in Public Health and Preventive Medicine. She is also licensed in Family Medicine and is an Adjunct Professor at the University of Toronto’s Dalla Lana School of Public Health.
Panelists
Kashtin Fitzsimons, MSc
Kashtin Fitzsimons is the Director of the West Toronto Ontario Health Team – a network of fourty-four health and social service agencies operating in the West Toronto community working to integrate care in partnership with patients, families, caregivers and other providers. Kashtin holds a Master of Science in Health Quality, Risk and Safety from Queen’s University.
Stephanie Hatzifilalithis, PhD, MSc
Stephanie Hatzilfilalithis is an (early career) Scientist in the Women’s Age Lab and Assistant Professor (Status) in the Dalla Lana School of Public Health. She is leading the development of a national collaborative focused on advancing equitable, sustainable strategies to support older adults in a changing climate. As community-based researcher and critical gerontologist, her research addresses systemic barriers and evaluates community-based interventions that can be integrated into public health systems. This work aims to improve quality of life and advance health equity for all Canadians, particularly older women.
Amy Howe, MPH, RN
Amy Howe is an epidemiologist with Toronto Public Health. Her work focuses on environmental health surveillance in the City of Toronto, including monitoring the impacts of climate change on human health, to support evidence-informed public health policy and action.
Rebecca Wallace, PMP
Rebecca Wallace is a Senior Project Manager with the City of Toronto’s Social Development division. With more than 15 years of municipal government experience, she is passionate about creating healthier, stronger, and more resilient communities. As part of a dynamic team, Rebecca brings expertise in project management, partnership and community development, and community resilience. She works collaboratively with diverse partners to turn complex urban challenges into practical action that supports more equitable and climate-resilient cities. Most recently, Rebecca has been co-leading the Community Coordination Plan with United Way Greater Toronto – a partnership platform that brings together 300 nonprofit organizations and City service partners across Toronto.