A demonstration in front of Federal Minister of Health Patty Hajdu’s office to raise awareness of Canada’s need to fight climate change.
Paul Berger was one of the organizers of the event, and explains the importance of gathering for the rally, extending beyond just a local view.
“Canada is burning, it’s clear,” says Berger. “There’s over 150 forest fires in Northwestern Ontario. We have First Nation neighbours that are evacuated, over 3,000 of them, and we’re looking for spaces for more. More than 250 fires in British Columbia, but also flooding and fires in Southern Europe, a drought in Madagascar, it’s just really clear, we’re getting the signs really loudly and strongly that climate change is really critical and needs to get tackled.”
Minister Hajdu was invited to the event but was unable to attend. Berger goes on to say he has asked Minister Hajdu along with other government officials to vow to support the cause by signing a pledge, though she has yet to do so. Berger says this was disappointing.
“She’s unwilling to sign the pledge we have asked her to sign, which is to put a moratorium on new fossil fuel projects, and to stop the new major ones that are underway.”
Another theme continually echoed throughout the rally was a plead for the Federal Government to focus on climate action, rather than a potential upcoming election. Berger concludes by mentioning that he is critical of the current government in terms of their ability to tackle climate change.
“The current government has made some steps, but they’re about to take us into an election without doing some of the really important things like stopping the fossil fuel expansion projects that are currently underway, that are simply climate killing projects.”
The event was not heavily promoted because of the current COVID-19 restrictions, though a few dozen did attend to show their support. It was clear a large portion of the group were younger people.
Shaviya Aiviv is the Lakehead University Fossil Free Organizer and spoke as well, citing the importance of leaving a better planet for the younger generation. Aiviv explains a little more about her organization.
“We’re a student group at Lakehead that have been advocating to stop the investments in fossil fuels,” says Aiviv. “Our work makes me feel hopeful, and hopefully we can get some more momentum going forward.
Aiviv goes on to say small gestures such as the rally add up to make significant changes.
“This is just one of the many actions that happen in this city, and will continue to happen,” explains Aiviv. “Just seeing the community building that’s happening in this parking lot right now, we’re all thinking and considering how we can engage and improve our community.”
This was not the only rally held, as more than 30 communities across the province had a similar gathering.
