2.4 The path forward

Despite the wide array of challenges, recent years have also brought signs of progress and reasons for hope. In addition to increased availability of some tools (e.g., new vaccines, personal protective equipment), research has continued to contribute to our understanding of airborne illnesses and pollutants, including identifying more effective ways to address these hazards.

While public education and awareness continue to show significant gaps,^{Footnote 101} policy support for safer, healthier, and more accessible workplaces is slowly growing. In 2022, the International Labour Organization (ILO), an agency of the United Nations (UN), officially added “a safe and healthy working environment” to its list of Fundamental Principles and Rights, which covers member countries including Canada.^{Footnote 102} In 2025, the ILO adopted a convention about biological hazards in the work environment, making it the first global law on the issue.^{Footnote 103} The Accessible Canada Act supports the development of accessibility standards to enhance existing human rights frameworks, with similar acts now passed in many provinces.^{Footnote 104}

Labour organizations continue to push for remote work—a solution that increases productivity and morale, is more environmentally friendly, and is a crucial accommodation for many disabled and immunocompromised employees.^{Footnote 105} Some have also begun adding collective agreement provisions for air quality and respiratory protection standards.^{Footnote 106}

Recognizing the risks from airborne diseases and pollutants (particularly in light of pandemics and climate breakdown), a global pledge was signed at the UN in 2025 declaring healthy indoor air a human right.^{Footnote 107} In 2026, the UN produced a human rights report on the need for clean air,^{Footnote 108} and a G7 Event on healthy indoor air took place at the 79th World Health Assembly.^{Footnote 109} The issue of clean air is gaining attention worldwide—from Belgian indoor air quality laws,^{Footnote 110} to motions, bills, and ministerial mandates in British Columbia, Ontario, New Brunswick, and Nova Scotia.^{Footnote 111} New Brunswick explicitly referenced new clean air standards for airborne illness prevention in their 2024 mandate for the Minister of the Environment, while in June 2026, Nova Scotia strengthened air quality regulations around emissions for the first time in decades.^{Footnote 112} In July 2026, the Toronto Board of Health passed a motion recommending stronger ventilation standards in the Ontario Building Code.^{Footnote 113}

The expert consensus on these issues is also reflected in new technical standards and guidelines. 2023 saw the publication of ASHRAE 241, an international clean air standard addressing airborne illnesses, while the following year saw the US standards organization publish ASHRAE 44, addressing wildfire smoke.^{Footnote 114} While following these best-practice standards is currently voluntary, and Canadian building codes lag behind, they provide a clear, evidence-based roadmap for improvement. A new edition of CSA standard Z94.4 (about respirator use in the workplace) is imminent, promising to incorporate up-to-date research and knowledge about airborne hazard protection.^{Footnote 115}

In opera and the performing arts, there are signs of momentum as well. The Canadian Actors’ Equity Association has released a resource on air pollution and mentioned air quality in some collective agreements,^{Footnote 116} while the Calgary Folk Music Festival and Alberta Capital Airshed released a wildfire smoke guide for music festivals.^{Footnote 117} Attention to artists’ health & safety is slowly increasing, with research ongoing about health literacy among musicians, specialized musicians’ health clinics in Ontario, and initiatives to tackle other key topics from anti-harassment to hearing health.^{Footnote 118}

Artists are innovators, and many haven’t been waiting on policy-makers to find creative solutions. An increasing number of organizers offer events where layered immuno-inclusivity measures are normalized, from air purifiers to testing to masks.^{Footnote 119} More organizations, venues, and municipalities are recognizing the need to create healthier, cleaner-air environments.^{Footnote 120} A growing number of schools and community spaces are also installing portable air purifiers.^{Footnote 121}

Multiple event organizers note that their immuno-inclusive events regularly sell out, that they're able to welcome artists and audience members who otherwise could not participate, and that they see the benefits for community health and wellbeing.^{Footnote 122} Grassroots community initiatives across Canada are making immuno-inclusivity tools more available than ever before, from “mask bloc” mutual aid groups to air quality equipment libraries.^{Footnote 123}

“When I organized my first [immuno-inclusive] show . . . I had no idea how well it would do, but we actually sold out pretty fast! . . . I noticed that at all of these shows there’s a huge atmosphere of joy and intimacy”

• Camille Mai of Rebirth Canal, singer and pianist^{Footnote 124}