MPP Tabuns introduces private member’s bill to prepare Ontario for hotter temperatures

QUEEN’S PARK — Ontario NDP Shadow Environment Minister Peter Tabuns
(Toronto Danforth) introduced a private member’s bill today, Adapting to a hotter Ontario, creating a framework for Ontario’s approach to protecting lives and property from rising global temperatures.

The bill would also revise the Occupational Health and Safety Act to protect workers from hotter conditions, and begin the process of planning for and preventing urban wildfires. It was co-sponsored by MPPs Jamie West (Sudbury), Jessica Bell (University—Rosedale), and Kristyn Wong-Tam (Toronto Centre).

“The Ford government can always find $30 million dollars for the Premier’s luxury private jet, and time for lobbyists at cozy fundraisers,” said Tabuns. “But suddenly they can’t find the money or the time to protect Ontarians from the impacts of climate change.

“The cost of the Premier’s inaction will be severe, and will be paid by hard-working Ontarians. As temperatures rise, so too will the costs of food, housing, and insurance. Workers will be endangered by sweltering heat and the heightened risk of wildfires.

“Doug Ford has a responsibility to protect the people of Ontario from the impacts of climate change. By supporting this bill, he can take a meaningful step toward doing so.”

ADDITIONAL QUOTES:

“Ontario can’t just stand by as this known workplace safety hazard becomes more profound.”

MPP Jamie West — Shadow Labour Minister

“We have to face the reality that global heating will undermine our economy and that delayed action is a recipe for a tougher life for most Ontario families.”

MPP Jessica Bell — Shadow Finance Minister

"The Ford government must act now with this legislation and with funding to protect tenants who are facing impossible living conditions in baking apartment units. Ontario needs a temperature limit of 26 degrees now to keep people safe in their rental homes.”

MPP Kristyn Wong-Tam — Shadow Attorney General

“People are already getting sick on the job from overheating, even risking death. They need legal protection and they need it now to ensure they can work safely.”

Laura Walton — President, Ontario Federation of Labour (OFL)

“As global heating ramps up, we are facing a much more expensive world. Drought and flooding will bring higher food prices as well as higher costs for insurance and housing.”

Dr. Jennifer Penney — Seniors for Climate Action Now (SCAN)

“Another fire season is starting and we’re starting off at 70% capacity. We weren’t ready 10 years ago, we aren’t ready today and we won’t be ready tomorrow without meaningful change. We are living on borrowed time when it comes to wildfires going into our cities and towns.”

Eric Davidson — Veteran of over 100 Ontario wildlands fires, Vice-President of OPSEU Local 728