Support Ryan’s Law

Dear Editor,

The death of Ryan Gibbons, who would have turned 15 on April 4, was a terrible reminder that asthma is a serious disease that kills hundreds of Canadians every year.

Earlier this month, we learned that there is all-party agreement to move Ryan’s Law, Bill 20, to third and final reading and pass it into law, helping make schools safe environments for children with asthma.

On behalf of the one in five Ontario school children with asthma, we applaud and thank you for putting partisan considerations aside to make sure the health and safety of our children is a priority.

Once Ryan’s Law is passed, the bill will require schools and school boards to institute plans and procedures. Ryan’s Law also complements the Ministry of Education’s initiatives, which ensure that all children can attend school knowing that a plan is in place to help them learn and play in a safe environment.

We would like to acknowledge and to thank our educators and stakeholders who day in and day out work to keep our children safe, and pledge our support and collaboration in implementing the provisions of Ryan’s Law throughout the province.

Thank you again for supporting Ryan’s Law and helping to make ours a province where all people can breathe with ease.

Robert Oliphant, president and CEO of the Asthma Society of Canada

George Habib, president and CEO of the Ontario Lung Association