Environmental priorities on agenda during RNAO and CAPE-ON provincial party debate

Ontarians will cast a vote in the provincial election on June 2. To inform voters on each party’s priorities, the Registered Nurses’ Association of Ontario (RNAO) will be co-hosting an all-party virtual debate with the Canadian Association of Physicians for the Environment’s Ontario Chapter (CAPE-ON) on April 19 focused on health and justice in a climate emergency.

Moderated by Dan Riskin, former co-host of Daily Planet, RNAO is pleased to welcome representatives from provincial parties to the virtual podium to share their party’s positions on specific environmental issues, including climate change, urban sprawl and health equity. All Ontarians are invited to attend the event. 

In its 2022 provincial election platform, Ontario’s nursing crisis: Your health, your health system, RNAO prioritizes five areas of focus with one being environmental determinants of health and provides recommendations for the next government to adopt. These include implementation of a comprehensive plan to meet a 2030 greenhouse gas emissions target of 60 per cent below 2005 levels; and a comprehensive water policy to ensure clean, safe water for all Ontarians. Nurses know what factors shape health, and these steps are vital to protect the environment, and consequently, people’s health.

WHAT: The Registered Nurses’ Association of Ontario (RNAO) and the Canadian Association of Physicians for the Environment’s Ontario Chapter (CAPE-ON) co-host an all-party virtual debate to discuss each party’s environmental priorities ahead of the June 2 provincial election.

WHEN: Tuesday, April 19, 2022, 7:30 – 9 p.m. ET

WHO:

• Dianne Saxe, deputy leader of the Green Party of Ontario
• Peter Tabuns, MPP for Toronto-Danforth, NDP critic for climate crisis and energy 
• Katie Gibbs, candidate for Ottawa Centre, Liberal Party of Ontario 
• PC Party of Ontario (invited)

Moderator: Dan Riskin, Canadian biologist and science journalist

WHERE/HOW: Please register online to receive the Zoom details via email.

The Registered Nurses’ Association of Ontario (RNAO) is the professional association representing registered nurses, nurse practitioners and nursing students in Ontario. Since 1925, RNAO has advocated for healthy public policy, promoted excellence in nursing practice, increased nurses’ contribution to shaping the health system, and influenced decisions that affect nurses and the public we serve. For more information about RNAO, visit RNAO.ca or follow us on Twitter, Facebook and Instagram.

The Canadian Association of Physicians for the Environment (CAPE) takes action to enable health for all by engaging with governments, running campaigns, conducting research, and drawing media attention to key issues. We collaborate with other organizations, nationally and internationally, to work effectively and build power together. We support physicians to be advocates for healthier environments and ecosystems. 

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