David Kaiser

Dr. David Kaiser is a specialist in public health and preventive medicine, deputy medical director at the Direction régional de santé publique de Montréal, director of the public health and preventive medicine residency program at McGill University and vice-president for continuing professional development to the Association of Specialists in Preventive Medicine of Quebec (ASMPQ). He also gives back to the community as a member of the board of directors of Équiterre and scientific advisor at Percolab Coop.

David has worked for nearly a decade in the environmental health field, leading public health initiatives in housing, environmental noise, air quality and climate change. During the pandemic, he managed the public health response in a variety of complex settings, including prisons and essential public services. Since 2022, he has supported the implementation of new public health approaches in emergency measures and climate change, notably through the development of collaborative capacities and skills in contexts of complexity.

Title : The Montreal Heat Response Plan – learnings from 20 years of implementation

Description : Montreal Public Health has had a Heat Response Plan (HRP) since 2004. Over the past two decades, we have experienced two significant extreme heat events (2010, 2018) and multiple events of lesser magnitude. The plan is reviewed and updated annually and has been substantially modified several times, notably after the 2010 and 2018 heatwaves. Over the past two years, we have amplified intersectoral partnerships, including with community organisations, educational institutions and workplaces. This interactive activity will provide an opportunity for participants to explore improvements to the public health response using the Montreal experience as a starting point.

Learning objectives : At the end of this activity, participants will be able to :

• Identify key elements of a public health response to extreme heat that integrates intersectoral collaboration across the prevention-protection continuum
• Apply methods to identify and characterise at-risk populations
• Propose interventions that are adapted to the needs of at-risk individuals and communities and contribute to population resilience to extreme heat