Concerns Rise Over Extreme Heat Impact on Vulnerable Groups in Ontario
A coalition of civil society organizations in Ontario has raised alarms about the risks posed by extreme heat to students, workers, renters, and vulnerable residents in the province. The Heat Collaborative is urging the government to take proactive measures to address the challenges posed by rising temperatures.
One of the key demands put forth by the Heat Collaborative is the establishment of an extreme heat awareness program by the provincial government. Furthermore, the coalition is calling on the authorities to track and publicly report heat-related deaths, ensure schools are equipped with air conditioning, and implement specific heat stress protections for workers.
Parent advocate Farheen Mahmood emphasized the critical need for cooling and clean air in schools for the safety and well-being of students. She highlighted the urgency of implementing a comprehensive plan to address the impacts of climate change on educational institutions and vulnerable populations.
The Toronto District School Board, facing financial constraints with a repair backlog of $4.45 billion, is struggling to provide adequate cooling systems in schools. As temperatures continue to rise due to climate change, the need for immediate action to protect individuals from heat-related illnesses and injuries becomes more pressing.
The Ministry of Labour has put forward initiatives such as a heat stress toolkit for workplaces and investments in school infrastructure to mitigate the impact of extreme heat on workers and students. However, concerns remain about the enforcement of heat stress regulations and the need for better protections for workers in precarious positions.
Amidst the growing concerns, the Heat Collaborative is also advocating for regulations to limit maximum temperatures in rental units to ensure the well-being of tenants. The proposed measures aim to prevent landlords from using air conditioning upgrades as a means to evict tenants or raise rents unfairly.
As Ontario grapples with increasing heat warnings and the escalating impacts of climate change, the collective call for immediate action to protect vulnerable groups and mitigate the effects of extreme heat becomes more urgent.
Keyphrase: Ontario heat crisis