Five months ago, Mark Carney wrote: “Young people deserve more from their government. They deserve optimism and confidence in their future. That’s the Canada I want to build.”
But just 58 days after being elected-- and nearly ten years after his “tragedy of the horizon” speech-- Carney’s government passed Bill C-5, granting Cabinet sweeping powers to bypass environmental reviews and protections. As Canada faces its second-worst wildfire season, forcing evacuations coast to coast, and leaders consider taxpayer-funded fossil fuel expansion, I wonder: is this the “more” young people deserve? Or are their rights to a climate-safe future still being sidelined, leaving them to turn to courts?
On International Youth Day, I celebrated the courage of seven young Ontarians in Mathur v. Ontario for challenging their government over climate harms. These young people fight for their futures-- and indeed, ours-- and many Canadians, including those here in Alberta, are grateful for their resolve.
Governments across Canada take note-- act or expect more challenges. Alberta’s government would be wise to pivot to clean energy, a move most citizens would welcome. As a mom of a teen and a twelve-year-old, I expect out governments to lead, not lag.
Sincerely,
Claire Kraatz
Calgary, AB
