Published On: November 23, 2021

For immediate release.

Unceded Algonquin Anishinaabe Territories [OTTAWA], 23 November 2021:

Today’s Speech from the Throne recognized the overlapping threats facing the country in health, climate, the economy and in the state of relationships with Indigenous Peoples, but failed to present a coherent emergency response to these interconnected crises. Climate change is a threat amplifier; the way forward requires a whole-of-government approach that prioritizes resilience and solidarity.

It was an important symbolic step to hear the Speech from the Throne delivered partially in Inuktitut by Mary Simon, Canada’s first Inuk Governor General. Yet the federal government’s words on both reconciliation and climate change stand in stark contrast to the RCMP’s ongoing violence against Indigenous land defenders, as the colonial state attempts to force through a fossil fuel infrastructure project on unceded Wet’suwet’en territory. The climate crisis is a direct result of colonization, and cannot be resolved while Indigenous rights remain under attack. Climate action cannot be separated from the broader project of Indigenous self-determination and decolonization.

“Actions speak louder than words,” said Caroline Brouillette, National Policy Manager at Climate Action Network – Réseau action climat Canada. “Across what is currently called Canada, people are watching to see whether the federal government is sincere about reconciliation and climate action.” 

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Canada’s farthest-reaching network of organizations working on climate and energy issues, Climate Action Network – Réseau action climat Canada is a coalition of more than 130 organizations operating from coast to coast to coast. Our membership brings environmental groups together with trade unions, First Nations, social justice, development, health and youth organizations, faith groups and local, grassroots initiatives.

For media inquiries:

Vicky Coo, Communications lead, Climate Action Network – Réseau action climat Canada
comms@climateactionnetwork.ca, 613-203-3272

Photo credit : ADRIAN WYLD/THE CANADIAN PRESS