As extreme cold sets in, unions say education ministry sending mixed messages on air quality in schools
School administrators say the government is sending mixed messages over ventilation in the classroom after officials said teachers should not open their windows during class to improve air quality.
But amid a deep freeze sweeping through parts of the province, opening windows is a concern for parents, as well as staff who have to balance the comfort of their students and the concern of COVID-19 transmission.
Earlier this year, the government said teachers can open their windows when the CO2 readers — in the classrooms that have them — display a reading higher than 1,500 ppm.
Education Minister Jean-François Roberge’s ministry sent out a news release Friday advising teachers to “partially” open their windows only for short periods during recess or breaks between classes to improve the air quality.
It also clarified that it is acceptable for the levels to exceed 1,500 and even 2,000 ppm in a single reading, but that it’s more important to monitor the average readings over a longer period of time.
“He’s sending mixed messages,” said Heidi Yetman, President of the Quebec Provincial Association of Teachers (QPAT).
“This inaction of the government is causing a lot of stress inside the classroom and it’s so unfortunate that this was so mishandled. It’s actually quite unbelievable,” she added.
“Ventilation is key. This has been mishandled from the beginning. There are still classrooms without the CO2 detectors. There are many, many classrooms in the province of Quebec without mechanical ventilation. This should have been fixed a long time ago.”
Sylvain Mallette, head of the Federation autonome de l’enseignement (FAE), also shared concerns about the safety and comfort of students in class during the winter in the pandemic context.
“Since the virus is highly transmissible, how can they ask teachers to manage the temperature and manage the CO2 detectors when one contradicts the other?” he said, meaning that although opening the windows can refresh the air, that’s obviously not possible right now.
If the air quality worsens, some schools will need to install an air exchanger, the province said, adding that those that need them can have them delivered.
With images of kids in winter coats, the unions are hoping they can resolve the issue with the government soon.
CTVNews.ca Top Stories
Stormy Daniels describes meeting Trump during occasionally graphic testimony in hush money trial
Stormy Daniels took the witness stand Tuesday at Donald Trump's hush money trial, describing for jurors a sexual encounter the porn actor says she had with him in 2006 that resulted in her being paid off to keep silent during the presidential race 10 years later.
Former homicide detective explains how police will investigate shooting outside Drake's Bridle Path mansion
Footage from dozens of security cameras in the area of Drake’s Bridle Path mansion could be the key to identifying the suspect responsible for shooting and seriously injuring a security guard outside the rapper’s sprawling home early Tuesday morning, a former Toronto homicide detective says.
Jeremy Skibicki has 'uphill battle' to prove he's not criminally responsible in Winnipeg killings: legal analysts
Accused killer Jeremy Skibicki could have a challenging time convincing a judge that he is not criminally responsible for the deaths of four Indigenous women, a legal analyst says.
Indian envoy warns of 'big red line,' days after charges laid in Nijjar case
India's envoy to Canada insists relations between the two countries are positive overall, despite what he describes as 'a lot of noise.'
Alcohol believed to be a factor in boating incident after 2 men die: N.S. RCMP
Two Nova Scotia men are dead after a boat they were travelling in sank in the Annapolis River in Granville Centre, N.S., on Monday.
Bye-bye bag fee: Calgary repeals single-use bylaw
A Calgary bylaw requiring businesses to charge a minimum bag fee and only provide single-use items when requested has officially been tossed.
CFL suspends Argos QB Chad Kelly at least nine games following investigation
The CFL suspended Toronto Argonauts quarterback Chad Kelly for at least nine regular-season games Tuesday following its investigation into a lawsuit filed by a former strength-and-conditioning coach against both the player and club.
Air France flight from Paris to Seattle lands in Iqaluit after heat smell in cabin
A plane travelling from Paris to Seattle was forced to make an emergency landing in Iqaluit after there was a heat smell in the cabin during the flight.
Boy Scouts of America changing name for first time in 114 years, aiming for inclusivity
The Boy Scouts of America is changing its name for the first time in its 114-year history and will become Scouting America. It's a significant shift as the organization emerges from bankruptcy following a flood of sexual abuse claims and seeks to focus on inclusion.