Cool Our Schools!

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; and

WHEREAS most school buildings and buses lack cooling systems, creating unsafe environments that threaten
the physical health and learning ability of students and staff; and

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 lowincome,
older, and Indigenous school
communities;

Will you sign?

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.