Green recovery
- Details
- Published on Sunday, 29 November -0001 16:00
- Written by editor
Join the national day of action
In just two weeks, we’ll find out what the federal government plans to do with its multi-billion dollar COVID-19 recovery plan: invest in a green and just recovery, or keep bankrolling Big Oil?
We know that our pressure’s been working: The Liberals said on record last month that a green and just recovery will be its number one priority when Parliament resumes this fall. But the powerful fossil fuel industry and conservative provincial leaders are already lobbying hard to keep money going towards business as usual. The future of a green recovery is on shaky ground: until real commitments are made, promises just aren’t enough.
One more big push is needed to convince Trudeau and his new finance minister to commit to investing in a green and just recovery in their upcoming Throne Speech. That’s why we’ve joined forces with dozens of other environmental groups to host a nationwide, online day of action.
TAKE ACTION
Last month, former Finance Minister Bill Morneau unexpectedly resigned – a move many saw as proof that Trudeau’s government may finally come through on its election promise of climate action. Morneau was a major supporter of the Trans Mountain pipeline, and frequently got in the way of environmental progress.
Morneau’s replacement is Deputy Prime Minister Chrystia Freeland, Trudeau’s right-hand woman. Minister Freeland will now play an integral role in shaping the COVID-19 recovery, and many believe she will be easier to win over than Morneau. In her first public speech as finance minister, Freeland already highlighted the importance of 'building back better.'
But we’re used to the Liberals saying one thing in public and another behind closed doors in their private meetings with Big Oil. The truth is, Canada is not on track to meeting our Paris climate targets. And amongst the world’s 20 wealthiest countries, Canada is still the second biggest supplier of fossil fuel subsidies.
With the Throne Speech just two weeks away, we must act now to keep the call for a green and just recovery at the top of the political agenda.
I won’t lie to you. There are some who will throw up their hands before we even begin and say that winning a green and just recovery may be downright impossible. Indeed, our movements are sometimes better at fighting back, than fighting for the things we want. But if we can’t imagine a more just, and sustainable world than the one we’re living in right now, then we can’t expect our governments to either.
The good news is, achieving this level of transformational change is exactly the kind of challenge the Stand.earth community was built for. And we already have a vision of what we're fighting for. If we win a green and just recovery, we know that it will fast track our transition to a more equitable and sustainable economy. It will support the development of accessible, affordable and healthy communities and transportation networks. Land, freshwater, ocean ecosystems and wildlife will be protected and restored. And it will cement our government’s commitment to a future that prioritizes social and racial justice, economic equity and well-being – one that is grounded in strong partnerships with Indigenous Peoples and the communities most exposed to environmental harm.
Millions of people across the country have already joined the call for a green and just recovery by signing petitions, emailing politicians, meeting with their MPs, and more. Already we have succeeded in getting our message into the political conversation.
But what we need now isn’t more words – it’s actions.
Thanks for taking action,
Solaye Snider
Digital Climate Campaigner
Stand.earth
Stand.earth challenges corporations, industries, and governments to prioritize the well-being of people, our environment, and our climate by creating long-term, effective solutions. None of this work is possible without your support. DONATE $5 San Francisco office: 650 California Street, 7th Floor, San Francisco CA 94108 On traditional Chochenyo and Karkin Ohlone Lands
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