International Day of Climate Action in Ottawa

A large group of youth gathered in Ottawa over the weekend for Powershift, an environmental and climate justice conference. This by and for youth conference provided trainings and sessions on a wealth of topics including the green economy, political lobbying, indigenous solidarity, and campus sustainability, to name a few. As part of this conference, the Canadian Youth Delegation going to the climate talks in Copenhagen met to train and strategize and meet with ministers and representatives from the Canadian Delegation. It was stellar to have the opportunity to meet the other youth delegates, to discuss policy, strategy, and to get an idea of what to expect by spending time with those who’ve attended previous Conferences of the Parties (COPs).

What’s getting the most attention in the media, however is that today, in the House of Commons during Question Period, between 100-200 youth participated in a protest. At first individuals yelled out “Sign Bill C-311” and “Climate Justice”, with security escorting them off, one by one, and then, the “slogans-à-réponse” started, with the whole group answering calls to bring back C-311, to stop the tar sands, and to sign the Declaration on Indigenous Rights. The usual yelling from the floor came to a halt and Question Period was interrupted as all 200 youth were escorted out.

Bill C-311 is the Climate Change Accountability Act, it’s a bill that sets targets for Canada, targets that scientists and policy experts alike have recognized as crucial if we are to make any progress on bringing down our greenhouse gas emissions and try to avoid what could otherwise be, as stated by the Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change, dangerous climate change.

This is a profoundly important bill. We need to go to Copenhagen with a plan, we need to bring something to the table and our government must listen to the voices of those who’ll bear the brunt of this. It’s a question of survival and a question of justice. While all may not agree with this course of non-violent direct action, a lot of the media coverage has provided a surprising amount of background and context, explaining to the public what Bill C-311 is, because, really, how often are youth chanting about legislation? Bills seldom get this kind of coverage, environmental bills even less so.

I feel extremely privileged to be doing the work I’m doing right now. We are on the cusp of great things.

That being said, we really need to keep the pressure on if we’re to secure a just and ambitious post-2012 climate treaty. Call the Prime Minister’s Office (613-992-4211), tell them this is important to you. Talk to folks in your community. Get involved.