15 September 2023:
Starting today, more than fifty cities across Canada are rallying as part of the Global Fight to End Fossil Fuels.
From Halifax to Vancouver, and in every province in between, students, parents, and concerned citizens will march to demand swift action from governments to end the era of fossil fuels and deliver climate justice.
The demonstrations will continue throughout the weekend: details of local actions can be found on this map and from Fridays for Future, while media spokesperson information is available here.
Migrant rights advocates will also be taking to the streets, with Status For All demonstrations planned in more than a dozen cities from September 15 to 17. The public mobilization will continue through the end of the month, with the week of Rage climatique in Quebec from September 23 to 29.
The actions this weekend come just ahead of MPs’ return to Parliament, as well as next week’s United Nations General Assembly and Climate Ambition Summit – a key opportunity for Canada to show action to match its words.
After a summer of devastating climate impacts from coast to coast – and after decades of broken promises and rising emissions – the federal government must move quickly to cap emissions from Canada’s most-polluting sector: the oil and gas industry. This policy was first promised more than two years ago and has public support in every province, yet has been delayed multiple times amid heavy lobbying from the fossil fuel industry. A new report this week showed that Canada is one of five Global North countries responsible for the majority of planned oil and gas expansion through 2050, which would have disastrous consequences for the planet.
The Global Fight to End Fossil Fuels has six core demands:
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No new fossil fuels
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A rapid, just, and equitable phase out
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New commitments for international cooperation
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Stop greenwashing
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Hold polluters responsible for the damage they’ve caused
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End fossil fuel corporate capture
Quotes from local organizers:
Chris Camaso, Victoria:
“The effects of the climate crisis can be felt coast-to-coast-to-coast. From devastating fires across Vancouver Island to the destruction of our old-growth forests, it’s time to shift away from fossil fuels before it’s too late. Join Climate Justice Victoria on September 15th to demand for #FastFairForever!”
Sophia Mathur, Sudbury:
“In the past decade, over 85 percent of deadly greenhouse gas emissions have come from burning fossil fuels. The IPCC and the UNFCCC are over 30 years old, yet greenhouse gas emissions continue to grow. Why is this happening? Fossil companies have spread disinformation. It is time to stop funding the liars. It is totally possible to do this and create a better world.”
Monica Figueroa, Edmonton:
“I’m striking today because the ongoing effects of the climate crisis, including the devastating wildfires Canada experienced this summer, keep reminding me that fighting for climate justice, an end to fossil fuels, and a livable future is the only reasonable response to the situation we find ourselves in.”
Jordyn Boyer, Hamilton:
“I am marching so that my little sister, eight years younger than myself, might be able to experience the same summers that I and all the generations before me did when we were growing up.”
Jasmine Montrichard, Hamilton:
“I am taking the initiative to march and advocate for the end of fossil fuels because I want to support a greater and more sustainable future for all and generations to come. It’s important that we take action so that our society and the organisms that live within it can thrive.”
Aliénor Rougeot, Toronto:
“Torontonians from all ages and all walks of life will be marching on Saturday to say we will not let fossil fuel executives and bankers burn everything we love to the ground. Our homes, our health and our loved ones are under attack and on September 16th, we are fighting back. It is time for governments to step in and hold polluters accountable.”
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Canada’s farthest-reaching network of organizations working on climate and energy issues, Climate Action Network – Réseau action climat (CAN-Rac) Canada is a coalition of 150 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 more information, contact:
Vicky Coo, Communications Lead
comms@climateactionnetwork.ca