B.C.'s inadequate heat wave supports heightened risks to vulnerable people: report

A global human rights group says poor support from the provincial government during the heat wave in June compounded risks for the disabled and elderly.

A researcher with the group Human Rights Watch says people with disabilities and older people are at high risk of heat stress, but they were left to cope with dangerous heat on their own.

The BC Corners Service identified 569 heat-related deaths from June 20th to July 29th, and 79 per cent of those who died were aged 65 and older.

Health Minister Adrian Dix said when he was asked about the study during question periods today that he was gutted by the deaths and everyone needs to learn from the one in one thousand year event.