Cities around Hamilton issue special air quality statement amidst heat warning across the province

HAMILTON – Ontario NDP environment critic Sandy Shaw (Hamilton West – Ancaster – Dundas) is raising concerns about air quality warnings in Hamilton and surrounding area amidst heat warnings in Southern Ontario.

“As the days get hotter, our province needs to be prepared for cases of extreme weather and worsening air quality,” said Shaw. “We need to make sure that we have the measures and protections in place for public health. This should be a wake-up call that we need to act now.

Our province is not ready to tackle serious air quality issues from extreme heat and wildfires. We need cooling and clean air centres in place across communities during summer months and an updated air quality index that accounts for the health risks of wildfire smoke.”

Background:

• Shaw has tabled multiple motions to address air quality issues ahead of wildfire season and incoming heat waves to ensure protections for Ontarians
• Motion 120 ensures the provincial air quality index accounts for the risks of wildfire smoke and Motion 125 calls to establish cooling and clean air centres