YOUTH LAUNCH CLIMATE CHANGE PLATFORM TO POLITICAL LEADERS: Our Generation, Our Future, Our Demands
YOUTH LAUNCH CLIMATE CHANGE PLATFORM TO POLITICAL LEADERS: Our Generation, Our Future, Our Demands
In a campaign that has been silent on the environment and climate change, youth are submitting five demands to Canada's political leaders calling for a just, inclusive transition towards a green future.
On April 21st, members of the Canadian Youth Climate Coalition launched a youth-led climate change platform created through months of cross country collaboration. The demands were delivered to candidates from Halifax, Halifax West, and Sackville-Eastern Shore. That same day, representatives from the CYCC presented the demands to Michael Ignatieff at a town hall in Montreal. On April 22nd simultaneous deliveries happened at24 Sussex Drive, addressed to the “future resident” and in Toronto to the residence of Jack Layton. The platform is currently being forwarded to the offices and emails of all the candidates.
The platform begins with a commitment to justice across generations and across peoples. These first two demands recognize that youth will be forced to deal with future climate change crises, even while marginalized and minority communities are already bearing the brunt of its effects.
The third demand calls on political leaders to focus on building a green economy, debunking the myth that Canadians will have to choose between financial stability and environment. Developing an energy plan with a future also makes the list, as our leaders are urged to recognize that justice across generations requires a transition away from fossil fuels.
Perhaps most importantly, youth are calling for their inclusion in decision making, without which these crucial issues are will continue to be pushed to the back burner, as politicians focus on shortsighted policies for political advantage.
“I think it's really important that we engage politicians in our work even before the election is over,” explains Robin Tress, a Regional Coordinator for the CYCC in Halifax, “This gives us a great opportunity to forge a good relationship with as many MPs as possible, and helps us to engage Canadians across the country and in Parliament.”