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 low-income, older, and Indigenous school communities;

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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.