The Provinces Can’t and Shouldn’t Go It Alone on Fighting Climate Change
Quebec City – Today, representatives of a number of First Nation, labour, environmental and social justice groups announced a massive march to combat the growing climate crisis. The march is set to take place on April 11th, the Saturday before Canada’s premiers meet in Quebec City to discuss what provinces can do to combat climate change. Act on Climate, a coalition of environmental, student, union, First Nations, and grassroots organizers anticipate thousands of Canadians from coast to coast to coast will gather on the streets of Quebec City.
“It is time for Canadians to take back their democracy to choose a future that does not destroy our planet and its precious life forces,” said Ellen Gabriel (Katsitsakwas), Indigenous Human Rights Advocate, Kanehsatà:ke First Nation. “A future with sustainable energy provides more jobs and supports life more than prehistoric fuels and we must never lose sight of this goal. Present generations deserve a chance for a secure and healthy life, and future generations are depending upon us to act now.”
“The science of climate change is settled, the threats it poses are real. In fact, this is the most important issue of our generation. It’s time Canadian leaders acted courageously, “ said Joanna Kerr, Executive Director of Greenpeace Canada. ““Provinces can’t and shouldn’t go it alone on climate – the federal government also needs to lead. Our government representatives need to act, and on April 11th we’ll show them with people in the streets that they have the support to do it.”
On the heels of last year’s People’s Climate March in New York City and December’s Lima protests, this mass mobilization is the latest effort to test leaders — especially the federal government and provincial leaders from Quebec, Ontario, Alberta and British Columbia — on their commitment to act on climate and move away from fossil fuel industries.
“Change is coming as people around the world are joining together and taking to the streets to stop those in power from destroying the planet and imposing austerity on those who can least afford it,” said activist and writer Judy Rebick. “People from coast to coast to coast will be coming to Quebec City on April 11th and we need you to join us to stand up for change that protects the earth and everyone who lives on it.“
The United Nations says we need real action by 2020. In Canada, that means combatting the largest source of rising greenhouse gas emissions, the Alberta tar sands. A recent scientific study in the journal Nature showed that 99% of remaining oil reserves in the tar sands needs to stay in the ground to give the world a good chance of being able to stabilize the climate.
“You can’t lead on climate and support the massive Energy East pipeline that would allow a 40 per cent increase in our fastest growing source of climate pollution, the tar sands,” says Maude Barlow, National Chairperson with the Council of Canadians. “Premiers need to get on the right side of history, reject extreme energy projects and help pave the way to more equitable, sustainable ways of being.”
For more information contact:
Heloise Fernandez, Communications officer Nature Quebec, 418-931-1131
Sujata Dey, Media Officer, Council of Canadians: 613-796-7724
Mary Ambrose, Communications officer, Greenpeace Canada, (416) 930-9055