Parachute calls for action to stop the clock on Canada’s #1 killer .

TORONTO, June 3, 2015 –New data from The Cost of Injury in Canada Report shows the financial costs of preventable injuries are rising, while the human costs are catastrophic. Using the latest national and provincial data available (2010), the Report shows $27 billion is lost to the economy annually, surpassing heart and stroke disease costs. Injury is the number one killer of Canadians aged 1-44, with 43 people dying every day. The loss of life is equivalent to a jumbo jet crashing every ten days, with no survivors.

These alarming statistics released today by Parachute, show that without intervention, the numbers of deaths and injuries will continue to climb.

“The numbers tell a compelling story about the cumulative impact of injury and the importance of prevention for individuals, families, and our health care system,” said Louise Logan, Parachute’s CEO and president. “Now is the time for coordinated action so we can stop the clock on preventable injuries.”

Since the previous Report, economic losses have risen 35 per cent; and, without action, forecasts show it will rise by 180 per cent in 2035. The national injury prevention charity published the Report in collaboration with The Conference Board of Canada and with support from The Public Health Agency of Canada.

« Our analysis shows that the overall cost of injuries is increasing steadily. Rising medical and hospitals costs play a role in this growth, and the aging of our population means that there will be more Canadians at greater risk of suffering preventable injuries, » said Louis Theriault, Vice-President, Public Policy, The Conference Board of Canada. « We know that investing wisely in programs for which there is already good evidence makes a difference.

The Cost of Injury in Canada Report shows, as a result of preventable injuries:

  • $27 billion is lost to the economy annually
  • 16,000 Canadians die each year
  • 1 child dies every nine hours
  • 3.5 million visits to emergency rooms
  • More than 60,000 disabilities

“Fortunately, the good news is we have the power to change the story and reduce the impact of injury,” said Charles Tator, Canadian neurosurgeon and founding Parachute Board Member. “Prevention is the solution and the cure since more than 90% of injuries are predictable and preventable.”

About The Cost of Injury in Canada Report

The Report contains both national and provincial data. Comparison information across provinces – as highlighted in the map below – is also available. Visit parachutecanada.org/costofinjury for more information.

Map of Canada showing economic cost per capita and potential year of life lost (PYLL), Canid and by province, 2010


About Parachute

Parachute is a national charity helping Canadians stop the clock on preventable injuries. The injury impact is staggering. Preventable injuries are the #1 killer of children. They cost the Canadian economy $20B a year, and worst of all, one child dies every nine hours. Through education, knowledge and empowerment, Parachute is working to save lives and create an injury-free Canada. For information, visit us at parachutecanada.org, follow us on Twitter, and join us on Facebook.

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For information:

Lorraine Doherty
Parachute
416-779-3256
ldoherty@parachutecanada.org

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