TORONTO — Extreme heat is endangering students, workers, renters and some of Ontario's most vulnerable residents, a network of civil society groups said Monday as they urged the province to better prepare for sweltering temperatures.

The Heat Collaborative issued calls to action Monday including a demand for the province to create an extreme heat awareness program.

Among the network's other demands, it called on Doug Ford's Progressive Conservatives to track heat-related deaths and hospital visits, and ensure schools are outfitted with air conditioning.

"Cooling and clean air are not luxuries. They are basic conditions for safety and learning. We need a real plan now," said parent advocate Farheen Mahmood, who volunteers with the climate action group For Our Kids.

Speaking at Queen's P

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