Today in the House of Assembly, MHA Sheilagh O’Leary (St. John’s East–Quidi Vidi) pressed government on its plan to address the growing impacts of climate change on seniors – particularly the increasing frequency and intensity of extreme heat events.
Last week in the media, co-author of NL Health Accord Sr. Elizabeth Davis discussed the importance of addressing climate change as it impacts our physical health. O’Leary said it’s time for urgent, proactive measures to ensure that all seniors’ facilities, including long-term care homes, personal care homes, and seniors’ living complexes, are equipped with reliable, adequate air conditioning to protect residents’ health and safety.
“Speaker, co-author of the Health Accord, Sr. Elizabeth Davis, discussed the importance of allocating resources to climate change as it impacts our physical health.
Extreme heat is a serious danger to our health, especially for seniors,” said O’Leary. “Ontario is the only province that currently legislates air conditioning for long-term care homes. I ask the Minister; will your government bring in legislation for all facilities that support our seniors so they and the workers can stay healthy in the summer?”
She continued by raising concerns about the government’s Climate Action Plan, noting the lack of clear timelines and detail on when it will be delivered. She emphasized that addressing climate change must include a real focus on its impacts on people’s health – particularly seniors – and called for concrete, prioritized measures that move beyond recognition to meaningful action.
“Speaker, we still haven’t heard when the Climate Action Plan promised by government will be released,” O’Leary said. “Under an NDP government, British Columbia brought in a Free Portable Air Conditioner program for seniors whose health is directly impacted by climate change and extreme heat”
“I ask the Minister, will there be measures to ensure the health and welfare of our seniors impacted by climate change are prioritized in their plan?”