This petition is entitled “Petition to Improve Air Quality for Our Children.” I want to thank our education critic for developing this.

“To the Legislative Assembly of Ontario:

“Whereas good air quality reduces the spread of infectious diseases, lowers the rate of chronic health conditions like asthma and allergies, improves test scores in reading and math, reduces absences and improves worker morale;

“Whereas there is currently no requirement for publicly funded schools and licensed child care centres to monitor air quality in Ontario, which would identify classrooms and other learning spaces where air quality is poor;

“Whereas other jurisdictions, including Quebec, require schools to measure and publicly report on air quality;

“Whereas children, teachers, education workers, child care workers, and administrators in Ontario also deserve to work and learn in a space with clean air;

“We, the undersigned, petition the Legislative Assembly of Ontario to require the Ministry of Education to begin to take action to improve air quality for our children by supporting and adopting the Improving Air Quality for Our Children Act, 2023.”

It’s my pleasure to affix my signature, Madam Speaker, and give it to page Anushga.