Laurissa Brousseau
This past summer, I had the privilege of interning with Citizens with Disabilities Ontario (CWDO), under the mentorship of distinguished activists and academics. The experience provided deep insights into the nexus between policy and lived realities, particularly where the stakes are immeasurably high. Among the various projects I engaged in, one was particularly noteworthy—a collaborative research initiative with Dianne Wintermute, a CWDO board member renowned for her expertise in advocating for the rights of persons with disabilities and individuals facing poverty. Our research centered on a crucial yet underexplored intersection: disability, climate change, and emergency preparedness.
As an Albertan, fire season is an annual reality—an occurrence we have come to accept. The sky takes on an ominous orange hue, the air thickens with smoke, and there’s a sense of inevitability that these phenomena will recur each summer. Conversations surrounding wildfire evacuations are often casual, even resigned. However, it wasn’t until I delved into this research that I fully understood the profound implications for persons with disabilities (PwDs). Consider the Ontario wildfires of 2023, where over 700 fires devastated 441,000 hectares of forests between April and October[1]. The resulting smoke did not remain confined to wilderness areas but penetrated urban centers, significantly deteriorating air quality in cities like Toronto and Ottawa. For those accustomed to sporadic, smoke-filled days, these occurrences may seem mundane. Yet, for PwDs, particularly those with respiratory or mobility limitations, such events represent a dire threat to their health and safety.
The extreme air pollution exacerbated pre-existing health conditions for many, while inadequate accessible evacuation protocols left numerous individuals scrambling to secure safety[2].. Ontario’s current policies and frameworks remain deficient in addressing these critical needs. Notably, foundational documents such as the Ontario Climate Change Strategy[3] and the Made-in-Ontario Environment Plan[4] offer only scant references to disability and accessibility. This gap represents not only a policy shortfall but a missed opportunity to ensure equitable safety measures for all.
Our research stressed the urgency of incorporating disability considerations into climate adaptation and emergency preparedness. International frameworks like the UN Convention on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities (UNCRPD)[5] and national legislation such as the Canadian Charter of Rights and Freedoms[6] provide a robust foundation for inclusive action. Yet, these frameworks must transcend mere rhetoric, integrating more concretely with climate policies to ensure true inclusivity.
There is an immediate need for tangible steps to incorporate PwDs into climate resilience initiatives. Our research identified six critical recommendations, ranging from embedding climate change within the CRPD framework to adopting international best practices and strengthening provincial and municipal action plans. For instance, applying universal design principles to public spaces and emergency shelters can ensure accessibility for all, not only for those without disabilities.
A standout moment of my internship was presenting a research project during a virtual “lunch and learn” session for Ontario ministries. This project examined the intersection of disability and the green economy, highlighting how these domains can—and must—intersect. The session attracted significant interest, with around 80 attendees. However, generating interest is only the first step; there must be concerted action to follow these discussions. Policies should aim to foster a more inclusive society where economic growth and social justice coalesce.
Addressing the intersection of disability, climate change, and emergency preparedness is not merely about filling policy voids—it is about ensuring the protection of all Ontarians in the face of climate change. By embedding disability-inclusive approaches into our emergency preparedness and climate adaptation strategies, Ontario has the potential to lead by example, setting a precedent for the rest of Canada.
For those seeking to explore this intersection further, the Disability Inclusive Climate Action Program (DICARP) at McGill University offers indispensable resources[7]. DICARP provides cutting-edge research and strategies aimed at integrating PwDs into environmental policymaking, equipping students, researchers, and advocates to contribute to a more inclusive approach to climate action.
This experience has been more than just an academic exercise for me—it has illuminated the deep interconnectedness of our world and the urgent need for policies that address the diverse needs of everyone. As we confront the escalating impacts of climate change, the importance of inclusivity in our responses becomes undeniable. When the air fills with smoke and fires rage, it’s not just about who has the ability to escape—it’s about whom we choose to protect. The first step in this protection is actively including all voices in the conversation.
[1] Ontario Ministry of Natural Resources and Forestry, “Ontario Marks the End of a Challenging Wildland Fire Season” (2 November 2023), online: Ontario Government https://news.ontario.ca/en/release/1003719/ontario-marks-the-end-of-a-challenging-wildland-fire-season.
[2] Health Canada, “Wildfire Smoke and Your Health” (2021), online: Government of Canada https://www.canada.ca/en/health-canada/services/publications/healthy-living/wildfire-smoke-health.html.
[3] Government of Ontario, “Ontario Climate Change Strategy” (2015), online: Ontario Government https://docs.ontario.ca/documents/4928/climate-change-strategy-en.pdf.
[4] Government of Ontario, “Made-in-Ontario Environment Plan” (2022), online: Ontario Government https://www.ontario.ca/page/made-in-ontario-environment-plan.
[5] United Nations, “Convention on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities” (2006), online: UN https://www.un.org/development/desa/disabilities/convention-on-the-rights-of-persons-with-disabilities.html.
[6] Canadian Charter of Rights and Freedoms, “Section 15: Equality Rights” (1982), online: Government of Canada https://laws-lois.justice.gc.ca/eng/const/page-15.html.
[7] McGill Centre for Human Rights and Legal Pluralism, “Disability Inclusive Climate Action Research Program (DICARP)” (2024), online: McGill University https://www.mcgill.ca/humanrights/research/dicarp.