For anyone interested, there are several ways to give input on the Just Transition Act that Justin Trudeau promised and you can add your own voice (until/including Sept 30th, 2021)reflecting the urgency of the climate crisis.
From 350.org
The time is now for a just transition, and we need to make sure federal leaders get it right. That’s why we’re calling for a Just Transition Act that reflects these three principles: 1) Guarantees good, green, union jobs, 2) Puts people, workers, and communities first and 3) Listens to the science.
And here is my letter using the Leadnow.ca letter template and making it my own. Feel free to write one too!
Dear Natural Resources Canada,
I hope this note finds you well and safe. I’m writing regarding the Just Transition consultation.
The vast majority of Canadians agree that the Climate emergency is on our doorsteps. This summer alone, so many Canadians worried if their personal lives would be impacted by wildfires, droughts, and deadly heat waves and for far too many of our citizen's their worry was realized.
The fear in people's eyes is real and justified.
When was the last time you had a conversation with a youth regarding actions Canada must take to ensure a less terrifying future than what is predicted will occur without urgent and significant change to the ways we live our lives? I have them frequently and am devastated when I see how afraid informed youth are for their futures.
What do you say to a young person who loves children but is deciding that they will not have any children because the future of Earth is too frightening to rationalize bringing more children into?
These are hard questions but so incredibly important to consider.
We need to address the multiple crises we are collectively living in ways that honour the disabling fear and sense of doom or apathy which pervades too many.
I also want to see far more support for the psychological impacts that climate change is already having on our youth. We must acknowledge the crisis is real and honour the grief we feel in having allowed it to get so far out of hand.
We need to support all Canadians, regardless of where they live or how they live, to make the changes necessary for a better tomorrow, today.
We need systems- wide changes in how we grow and procure food and how we clothe, shelter and educate our people.
To me, a just transition involves transitioning away from our mutual dependency on fossil fuels.
It means honouring Indigenous persons and respecting their lands by not pushing pipelines and mineral extraction on them.
It means honouring the care economy by recognizing the value of unpaid and low paying labour which is primarily done by women and immigrant populations.
It means implementing BIG.
It means investing in small and local economies and trusting in the ability of Canadians to support their communities and wellness through sustainable, grass- roots growth.
I have such hope in the possibility of mitigating the most terrifying climate change scenarios but only through war-level mobilization of alternative choices. The need for a just transition is urgent!
It is your moral responsibility as the adults in power to act swiftly and with great courage.
I honestly believe you have it in you.
Wishing you wellness!
Jill MacCormack
C1B1J2
Thanks for reading!
Jill