A future worth fighting for

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Published on Sunday, 29 November -0001 16:00

Written by editor

Paov,

“I’m here today to welcome you to the future. Our people have taken care of the land and water here since time immemorial – and part of that work is taking care of the future as well. The future you are visiting today has been co-created by all of us here. It is an act of resistance. It’s an expression of our collective dreams, our collective imagination.”

These are the words that Rueben George, from the Tsleil-Waututh nation shared with me, and hundreds of others, to open the Just Transition Day of Action event in Vancouver this Saturday. Even just remembering them now gives me chills.

This Saturday, we saw what is possible when we exercise the power of our imagination. Thousands of people, in 50 communities across the country, staged ribbon cutting ceremonies for the "Ministry of Just Transition", held press conferences from the future, and organized imaginative green jobs fairs to demonstrate what would be possible if our government invested in a Just Transition. If you were a part of this massive day of action -- thank you!

It was a truly remarkable day. Just see for yourself.... Watch the video wrapping up our March 12th Day of Action for a Just Transition:

At the action in Vancouver, the “Minister for a Just Transition” offered an update from the year 2025, explaining the process in 2022 when his government made a 3-year plan “to bring the fossil fuel era to a rapid close, while taking care of workers, elders, and everyday folks - not the interests of oligarchs and the profits of their giant corporations.” That meant rapidly expanding public ownership of essential services, rolling out clean transit without delay, investing in Indigenous-led efforts to heal the land from fossil fuel destruction -- and so much more.

In Edmonton, former fossil fuel workers from the future shared their stories of retraining and re-education programs that facilitated their transition into the renewable energy industry. In Toronto, hundreds joined together and shared their visions for dream jobs they aspire towards in a new, green economy. A couple of Liberal MPs in the GTA heard these messages and admitted that the case is strong for a Just Transition. In Lunenberg, Nova Scotia, the community celebrated the opening of a “Green Jobs for All” Centre.

This Saturday, we demonstrated that we have something the Trudeau government doesn’t. The power to imagine a different, better future that ensures a safe climate, protects workers, and sets our communities up to thrive.

Now, it’s time to demand that our politicians get to work to make our bold, ambitious vision a reality. Help us carry the momentum from this weekend forward by demanding that our federal ministers deliver a Just Transition immediately. Sign the petition now.

When we act together, we make change possible. It’s clear that the Trudeau government noticed that we were building momentum for our big day of action. That’s why on the day before, they finally announced the next steps they’re taking around a Just Transition.

It’s great that our pressure is working but so much work lies ahead. We need real leadership and we need it now. Sign the petition calling for action on a Just Transition now.

Having seen the future this weekend, I can confidently say that it is worth fighting for. Will you stand with us in the fight ahead?

Onwards,

Atiya

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