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Goal 1—

Dramatically reduce Desflurane by January 2026 in alignment with European Union Goals building on the successes of Newfoundland and Labrador (NFLD), Nunavut and the Northwest Territories (NWT).

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https://powerwellbeing.ca/wp-content/uploads/2025/06/press-release-communique-100-hospitals-desflurane-free-FR-EN-June-16-2025.pdf

🎉 Celebrating 100 desflurane-free hospitals!

June 17 2025

“In accordance with Canadian Anesthesiologists Society Guidelines and just as more than 100 Canadian hospitals have already done, desflurane should be eliminated from clinical practice” said Dr Stephan Williams, anesthesiologist at CHUM in Montreal.

Read more here: https://powerwellbeing.ca/wp-content/uploads/2025/06/press-release-communique-100-hospitals-desflurane-free-FR-EN-June-16-2025.pdf

As of March 2025, Newfoundland and Labrador, Nunavut and Northwest Territories have phased out desflurane

As of March 2025, Newfoundland and Labrador, Nunavut and Northwest Territories have phased out desflurane

Desflurane-Free Hospitals in Canada

https://www.google.com/maps/d/u/0/edit?mid=1G1XWs1Xufiy26TcqIRVUQJHBuUUbr7M&usp=sharing

Note: this map is not complete. If you would like to add your hospital, send us a note at [email protected].

This work builds on the hard work and dedication of many volunteers across the country. You can find the Ontario’s Anesthesiologists’ list of hospitals that have eliminated or reduced desflurane from their operations here.  The list desflurane-free hospitals in Quebec was compiled by the AAQ and made available on their website. The BC list was compiled with the help of Sonja Janousek and Emily Lomax. Thank you for your help!

Screenshot 2025-06-10 at 1.44.55 PM.png

Canadian Anesthesiologists’ Society Position Statement on reducing harmful emissions, waste & costs

“Anesthesia departments are urged to remove desflurane from their formularies and a national ban should also be considered.”

Read more here: https://www.cas.ca/CASAssets/Documents/Advocacy/Background_EnviroPositionStatement_2024.pdf

Screenshot 2025-06-10 at 1.44.33 PM.png

Doctors of BC’s Position Statement on Climate Change & Human Health

“Doctors of BC commits to: […] Supporting BC physicians to improve sustainability in their practices through quality improvement projects, and to spread and scale up successful quality initiatives that generate outcomes such as limiting waste, improving the use of resources, and limiting the carbon footprint of the workplace. ”

Read more here: https://www.doctorsofbc.ca/sites/default/files/2021-06/climate_change_and_human_health.pdf

Now, we need your voice

We’re producing a 4-minute national video calling on Health Canada to phase out desflurane. To make it powerful, we need short video clips (30 seconds – 1 minute) from anesthesiologists across the country.

Anesthesiologists: can you take a moment to record a testimonial—from your OR or another setting—calling for a national phase out of desflurane, on your phone or laptop?

Why anesthesiologists are healthcare systems decarbonization leaders:

As anesthesiologists, you hold a unique lever for climate action in your hands. Desflurane purchasing decisions are highly influenced and controled by anesthesiologists. By choosing to speak out, you demonstrate leadership and create momentum—showing the health system that targeted, rapid climate solutions are not only possible but already happening. Your voice has power. Let's use it to tip the scales toward a healthier, more sustainable future.

🎬 All the info you need is here:

https://powerwellbeing.ca/anaesthesia-climate-leaders/

🗓 Deadline to submit: July 10

📱 Just a quick selfie-style video clip is perfect— landscape format is best, but portrait works too.

If you have questions or want support recording, just reply to this email—we’re happy to help.

With deep thanks for all you’ve done and continue to do!

Dr Carl White Ulysse.mov

Dr Carl White Ulysse

Toronto ON

Dr Robert Bishop.MOV

Dr Robert Bishop

St John’s NL

Dre Lyndia Dernis.mov

Dr Lyndia Dernis

Montreal QC

Krista Mahoney, PhD .mp4

Krista Mahoney, PhD

St John’s NL

National phase-out dashboard

How you can help

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Fill our 1 min volunteer survey

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Would you like to join our target-based advocacy efforts regarding desflurane phase-out and sustainable healthcare and get connected into the group doing this work in your jurisdiction with our national support? Answer our short survey here and let us know how you would like to contribute.