Heat, artificial intelligence and the consequences of wildfires
What students and teachers faced at the start of the school year in Canada's schools.
Tuesday was the first day of school for many school children across Canada. However, summer is not over for everyone, at least because of weather conditions. For example, a heat warning has been issued for much of Central Canada.
In response, a Quebec school board closed all elementary and secondary schools on Tuesday. Other districts in this province and Ontario have announced measures to adapt to the high temperatures.
Quebec Education Minister Bernard Drainville, speaking to reporters at the inauguration of a high school in Gatineau, said the high temperatures in the province are exceptional. Tuesday's forecast was for a temperature of 33 degrees Celsius and an air temperature and humidity index (Humidex) of 41. Drainville, however, expressed confidence that schools will cope with the situation and take measures to help students endure the heat.
The province plans to build 150 new schools in the coming years that will not be air-conditioned. But the minister promised that they will have ventilation systems to provide some level of comfort in hot weather.
West of Quebec, Ontario, the Toronto District School Board announced Monday night that heat advisories would be applied to schools. The city was expecting temperatures of 34 degrees Celsius and a Humidex of 42. According to the school board, only 177 of the district's 583 schools are air-conditioned. Another 243 have cooling centers in large rooms like gymnasium or library.
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