Canada’s leading young climate activists at the launch of their lawsuit against the federal government for contributing to dangerous climate change. (Photo: Robin Loznak via Our Children’s Trust)
On October 25, 2019, 15 Canadian youth, representing seven provinces and one territory, filed a lawsuit in the Federal Court of Canada.
They’re alleging that the federal government causes, contributes to and allows dangerous levels of greenhouse gas emissions and is responsible for the specific, individualized climate change impacts they are experiencing.
This case moves the Canadian youth climate movement from the streets to the courts. It aims to change how we govern, run our economies, and protect and preserve a safe, livable climate for future generations.
The youth are supported by the David Suzuki Foundation, Pacific Centre for Environmental Law and Litigation and Our Children’s Trust and represented by law firms Arvay Finlay LLP and Tollefson Law Corporation.
We’re inspired by these brave, bold young climate leaders. This is the first of three posts introducing the plaintiffs. Stay tuned for more of their stories.
For more information, read our October 25 news release.
Meet Canada’s young climate activists
Cecilia (Toronto, Ontario)
“I’m taking action on climate change because I have to. I can’t live my life as normal when nothing about our climate is normal. I feel the effects of climate change every day, yet in comparison to the rest of the world I have it good. For me fighting for climate change is about fighting for human rights.”
Cecilia is a free-diver and surfer who enjoys camping, hiking and backcountry canoeing with her family. In recent years, however, low water levels in the rivers they frequent has made canoeing impossible at times. Her family has had to schedule trips around extreme weather and temperatures, which also worsen Cecilia’s asthma.
Cecilia’s family are Indigenous from South America, where people are on the front lines of climate change. This knowledge has driven her to become a vocal climate rights advocate and #FridaysForFuture organizer in Toronto.
Ira (Caledonia, Nova Scotia)
“The climate crisis is the biggest threat humanity has ever faced. I will not accept the global suffering of future generations. That is why I act.”
Ira plays fiddle, guitar and piano and sings. He also enjoys hiking, fishing, camping and canoeing.
Ira knows that sea level rise, more frequent intense storms and increased rainfall from climate change erode the Nova Scotia coastline. His family has land on the coast, as do many of his family and friends. Higher temperatures are bringing with them more ticks that carry Lyme disease. Ira lives in the area with one of the highest rates of Lyme disease in Canada. Many of his friends and family have contracted the disease.
Madeline (Winnipeg, Manitoba)
“I am tired of the government putting their own interests in capitalism above the importance of my life and the lives of all generations to come. The government is acting like this is an issue for the future, but I am here to say this is already impacting me. Nothing will get better without real action.”
Madeline Laurendeau is a climate activist and a member of Manitoba Youth for Climate Action. In Manitoba, she experiences the effects of climate change first-hand. In October 2019, she endured an unprecedented early season snowstorm that brought freezing rain and heavy snow to the Winnipeg region, leaving tens of thousands of people without power. The extensive damage caused the city and the province to declare states of emergency.
Madeline deals with severe asthma, which is exacerbated by summer wildfire smoke and periods of intense humidity and extreme cold. Concern for her future and that of the planet has driven her to help organize climate strikes locally and nationally.
Photo: Robin Loznak
Mikaeel (Mississauga, Ontario)
“I am passionate about fighting climate change because this is our one world. We don’t have a second chance — this is our one planet. It’s a planet that I like, and certainly don’t want to risk. It’s our right to a safe world, and governments need to respect that.”
Mikaeel enjoys spending time outdoors and playing video games. He also likes school, public speaking and politics.
Every day, Mikaeel walks to school in Mississauga, so he has experienced Ontario’s extreme temperatures — from heat waves to polar vortexes — first-hand. Sometimes these temperatures make it impossible for him to get to school. His love of nature and concern for the planet have made Mikaeel determined to fight for climate action.
Zoe (Vancouver, B.C.)
“I’m joining this lawsuit because I want the federal government to act on the climate crisis now before we can’t turn back. I don’t want climate change to take over my entire life or for future generations to suffer.”
Zoe loves outdoor activities, especially in summer. Swimming, running, playing sports and walking are important in her life and family culture. In recent years, she has often been unable to do the activities she loves because of heavy wildfire smoke in Western Canada. She has experienced the physical discomfort of breathing the smoke and feared for her own safety and that of the ecosystems she depends on for clean water, clean air and healthy food.
Zoe is deeply concerned about climate change and carbon pollution, not only for herself but for her peers, future generations and nature itself. It saddens and scares her to think that children may not be able to experience freedom and joy from their relationships with the natural world. For these reasons, she has been participating in Vancouver’s student climate strikes.
Photo: Erik Nordby
