Our climate is in crisis – it’s time to act

Hey there, time traveller!
This article was published 13/08/2021 (656 days ago), so information in it may no longer be current.

On Thurs., July 29, climate justice organizers and community members gathered outside our constituency office at 892 Sargent Ave. to demand action on the climate emergency.

The rally was held as part of 350.org’s national day of action calling on Members of Parliament to act boldly in the fight against the climate crisis.

Using the hashtag #CanadaOnFire, event organizers are sending a clear message that the increase in wildfires is a direct result of the climate emergency, something that has been clearly supported by science.

It is for this reason that, at this critical juncture, I was proud to sign their Canada on Fire pledge, committing to act with the urgency that is required to mitigate the climate crisis.

The pledge calls for:

1. An immediate moratorium on new fossil fuel approvals and a freeze on all fossil fuel expansion projects under construction — including the Trans Mountain Expansion pipeline;

2. Just Transition legislation to support workers and communities, especially Indigenous and remote communities as we move towards a 100 per cent renewable energy future.

I fully support both of these demands. This is a crisis and it is imperative that those in positions of power act with haste and deal with the climate emergency head on. In fact, even this summer wildfires have displaced entire communities in northern Manitoba and throughout Canada; Winnipeg just recorded its driest July in nearly 150 years; the ability of Manitoba farmers to produce crops is under threat; and extreme heat and smoke have blanketed our city.

We must also not lose sight of individuals in our community who are unsheltered, precariously housed, or do not have access to adequate means to keep cool. Many individuals, including some Winnipeg, have lost their lives as a result of the climate crisis.

I have travelled throughout the riding supporting the lifesaving and critical work being done by frontline organizations to keep people cool and safe, especially for individuals in our community who continue to be denied even the basic human right to housing. The time to act is now.

We need bold solutions and immediate action, like a green new deal for all that prioritizes communities over corporations, and people over profits.

It is about political will and I choose to mitigate the climate crisis in a manner that respects Indigenous human rights, protects workers, and is in line with science.