A new global health report suggests that every year from 2020 to 2024 about 1,400 deaths in Canada were associated with wildfire smoke pollution as climate change takes an increasing toll on the country’s health. The Lancet Countdown on health and climate change, compiled by more than 100 experts worldwide, is considered one of the most comprehensive looks at the subject. Between 2020 and 2024, the report found the wildfire smoke pollution in Canada had increased on average by 172 per cent compared to what it had been between 2003 and 2012. …The report’s findings suggest heat exposure last year resulted in the loss of more than 40 million potential labour hours, 136 per cent more than average in the 1990s. That’s an estimated $1.4 billion in lost income. …The report suggests access to affordable, off-grid, renewable electricity is “essential to tackle the major sources of greenhouse gas emissions and reduce climate risk.”