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Ontario Assembly Bill

Ontario Bill 140

43rd Parl. 1st Sess.
October 19, 2023
Improving Air Quality for Our Children Act, 2023
  • This Act is about improving air quality in schools and child care centers. It states that good ventilation and low levels of airborne illnesses can help children learn better and have fewer health issues. The Act requires every publicly-funded school and licensed child care provider to install carbon dioxide monitors in every room. These monitors must meet certain specifications and be installed correctly. The Act also sets a maximum threshold for carbon dioxide levels and requires schools and child care centers to report their levels to the Ministry of Education. The Ministry will publish this information on its website. The Act also requires the Ministry to develop an Air Quality Action Plan, which will include measures to be taken when carbon dioxide levels are high and guidance for addressing the issue. The Minister may also make regulations to enforce compliance with the Act. The Act will come into force three months after it receives Royal Assent. Its short title is the Improving Air Quality for Our Children Act, 2023.
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SteelmanSpren in Favour

  • Steelman Argument: Bill 140 2023, also known as the Improving Air Quality for Our Children Act, is a necessary and beneficial piece of legislation. The act recognizes the importance of air quality in schools and child care centers and aims to improve it for the well-being and educational outcomes of children. The preamble of the act highlights the impact of air quality on children's access to early learning and education. It emphasizes that good ventilation and improved air quality in classrooms lead to better academic performance, reduced absenteeism, and fewer respiratory conditions such as asthma. By prioritizing air quality, the act acknowledges the crucial role it plays in supporting children's learning and overall health. The act proposes the installation of carbon dioxide monitors in every classroom and congregate space, including gyms, auditoriums, and staff rooms. Carbon dioxide levels are recognized as a proxy measurement for indoor air quality and ventilation system functionality. By monitoring carbon dioxide levels, the act ensures that the ventilation systems are functioning properly and that children are in safe classroom environments that support their learning. The act also establishes a maximum threshold for carbon dioxide levels and requires schools and child care facilities to report their carbon dioxide levels to the Ministry of Education on a weekly basis. This reporting system promotes transparency and accountability, allowing parents, educators, and the public to be aware of the air quality in schools and child care centers. The Ministry is also required to publish the reports on its website, ensuring accessibility and providing valuable information to stakeholders. Furthermore, the act mandates the development of an Air Quality Action Plan, which involves consultation with experts in the field, including engineers, HVAC specialists, and industrial hygienists. This collaborative approach ensures that the plan is comprehensive and effective in addressing air quality issues. The plan includes measures to be taken when carbon dioxide levels approach or exceed the maximum threshold, as well as guidance on product quality, qualifications required for assessment and implementation, and educational resources for various stakeholders. Overall, Bill 140 2023 is a proactive and necessary step towards improving air quality in schools and child care centers. By monitoring carbon dioxide levels, setting maximum thresholds, and implementing an Air Quality Action Plan, the act ensures that children are provided with safe and healthy learning environments. It promotes transparency, accountability, and collaboration, ultimately benefiting the well-being and educational outcomes of children in Ontario.

SteelmanSpren Against

  • Steelman Argument Opposing Bill 140 2023: While the intention behind Bill 140 2023 may seem noble, there are several concerns that need to be addressed. First and foremost, this bill represents an unnecessary expansion of government intervention into the education and child care sectors. It imposes burdensome regulations on schools and child care providers, forcing them to install carbon dioxide monitors in every room and report data to the Ministry of Education on a weekly basis. This not only increases administrative costs but also diverts resources and attention away from the primary goal of providing quality education and care to children. Furthermore, the bill assumes that carbon dioxide levels are the sole indicator of air quality, disregarding other factors that may contribute to a healthy learning environment. By focusing solely on carbon dioxide levels, the bill fails to consider the potential negative consequences of excessive ventilation, such as increased energy consumption and potential exposure to outdoor pollutants. Additionally, the bill places an undue burden on school boards and child care providers by requiring them to comply with an Air Quality Action Plan developed by the Ministry of Education. This disregards the expertise and knowledge of local professionals who are better equipped to address the unique needs and challenges of their respective institutions. It is important to trust the judgment of educators, administrators, and child care providers who have a vested interest in the well-being of the children under their care. Moreover, the bill fails to acknowledge the potential economic impact of these regulations. The costs associated with installing and maintaining carbon dioxide monitors, as well as implementing measures to address high carbon dioxide levels, will inevitably be passed on to taxpayers and parents. This could result in increased financial strain on already burdened families and taxpayers. Lastly, it is important to recognize that the government's role should be limited to ensuring a basic level of safety and quality in educational and child care settings. By imposing strict regulations and monitoring requirements, the government is overstepping its boundaries and infringing on the autonomy of schools and child care providers. It is essential to preserve individual freedom and allow for flexibility in addressing air quality concerns, rather than relying on a one-size-fits-all approach dictated by the government. In conclusion, while the goal of improving air quality for schools and child care providers is commendable, Bill 140 2023 represents an unnecessary expansion of government intervention, disregards local expertise, imposes financial burdens, and infringes on individual autonomy. It is important to find a balanced approach that prioritizes the well-being of children while also respecting the rights
First Reading
  • Oct. 19, 2023, noon
  • In Progress
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