To the Legislative Assembly of Ontario:
WHEREAS climate change is causing frequent and intense heat waves in Ontario schools, driving indoor classroom
temperatures above 30° Celsius;
WHEREAS most school buildings and buses lack cooling systems, creating unsafe environments that threaten the physical
health and learning ability of students and staff;
WHEREAS children cannot regulate their body temperatures as well as adults, putting them—especially students with medical or
special education needs—at immediate risk for heat illness, and
WHEREAS experts have said that temperatures over 26°Celsius impair learning and disproportionately hurt low income, older,
and Indigenous school communities.
Therefore, we the undersigned, petition the Legislative Assembly of Ontario to:
- Set a Max Temperature Cap: Ensure all school buildings and buses do not exceed 26° Celsius when students or staff are
present. - Mandate Heat Mitigation: Require annual, localized heat strategies—including mechanical and passive cooling upgrades— developed with Joint Health and Safety Committees.
- Create Emergency Plans: Establish clear evacuation and communication protocols for extreme heat days.
- Fix Funding Inequities: Require the Minister of Education to review board capacities, target funding gaps in vulnerable communities, and publish progress reports every three years.