The Ford government is again being pressured to develop a strategy to address the impacts of rising temperatures.
The NDP is putting forward a Private Member’s Bill.
Environment Critic Peter Tabuns says, if passed, the bill would establish a framework for Ontario to plan for and act to protect people and property from rising temperatures.
It would also revise labour laws that protect workers from heat-related conditions.
It would also kick-start planning to prevent wildfires near towns and cities.
Tabuns says to do nothing, the effects will be severe and costly.
“As temperatures rise, so too will the cost of food, housing and insurance,” says Tabuns.
“Workers will be endangered on the job by sweltering heat, and people will be endangered by the heightened risk of wildfires.”
The framework for the bill came from Jennifer Penny, Chair of the Seniors for Climate Action Now.
She says hotter weather leads to more extreme weather.
“With a potentially severe El Niño approaching, we can expect more heat waves,” says Penny.
“It’s not enough to say to individuals and families, lower your blinds, drink lots of water, go to a cooling center. We saw where this led for the 619 people who died in BC during the 2021 heat dome.”
Labour has also long advocated for measures that protect workers from heat stress while on the job.
NDP Labour Critic Jamie West says legislation is required because the government messaging that workers “be careful” or refuse work does not cut it.
“That isn’t a solution. It wasn’t a solution to people falling from heights. It wasn’t a solution to people getting hit on the head,” says West.
“You cannot treat health and safety as an afterthought, as it’ll be fine, just be safe. We need to protect workers, make sure that they’re safe.”
The bill is expected to be debated at Queen’s Park in the fall.
