Climate conversations

Wolseley

Winnipeg

In the face of a climate crisis, local seniors aren’t planning to sit on the sidelines.

On Wednesday, June 3, the Winnipeg chapter of Seniors for Climate will host a picnic in Vimy Ridge Park (821 Preston Ave.), hoping to spread awareness of the climate and to spur others to action ahead of October’s municipal election.

The event is one of many being organized across the country in an effort to “break the silence on climate change” during Canadian Environment Week, which runs June 1 to 7. (A rain date of June 4 is planned.)

“We’ll give people the opportunity to talk about how the climate crisis is affecting them,” said Shawn Kettner, a Wolseley resident and member of the group since 2024. “You end up housebound either because of the smoke or the ice. A lot of seniors are concerned about that. You tend to think of it as something that is elsewhere. That stuff is all so frightening.”

Starting at 5:30 p.m., Seniors for Climate will provide those in attendance with hot dogs (veggie option available) and other picnic fare, along with information on how to discuss climate issues with those running for office, both in the upcoming municipal election as well as the next provincial election.

“Seniors have a role to play,” Kettner said. “We have the motive, the commitment, and opportunity. The most important thing is that the climate crisis is here now. We need to act now. The idea that our governments are moving so slowly, we’re being left behind. Why would we be going backwards, thinking about gas turbines and pipelines? It’s insanity. What are we doing? There are so many things we can be doing differently.”

Seniors for Climate is a national organization that helps seniors connect and work meaningfully towards climate action. Last year, over 16,000 people attended various actions and events organized by members across Canada.

“The thing about working with seniors is we have power to engage,” said Kettner, who has also been involved locally with the Manitoba Energy Justice Coalition. “When you start having conversations with people and you realize everybody is concerned. We just don’t have the chance to talk about it. So that has been encouraging to engage in these conversations with people.”

In the lead up to the June 3 picnic, Seniors for Climate has been hosting regular “house meetings,” small community gatherings where organizers can meet with new or prospective members to discuss issues of concern, in an attempt to build capacity and connection.

“People are very knowledgeable about how their lives are being changed,” Kettner said. “And how that affects them, their children, and their grandchildren.”

Those who would like to attend the June 3 Seniors for Climate picnic are encouraged to RSVP ahead of time. Contact for patw@seniorsforclimate.org more information, or to RSVP.