Our monthly column aims to raise climate awareness, urging action from all levels of government, no matter the party. If the Greens carved up the Greenbelt, we’d call them out. If the Conservatives introduced effective carbon pricing, we’d applaud it. What kind of future will your vote support now?
While responsible for 80% of emissions causing the undeniable threat to our existence, no G20 nation is doing enough to slow down the rapid melting of glaciers, warming oceans, and rising greenhouse gases. Science is clear: end fossil fuel reliance now to prevent catastrophic weather, food insecurity, droughts, disease, rising water, and lost island nations. This isn’t a Hollywood script.
There's still hope. The film 2040 shows how a healthier, more affordable future with today’s technology is literally within reach. The question is how many of these solutions are taking root in Canada? Here’s a quick synopsis of federal government climate work since 2015 that also focuses on health and affordability — the key priorities for Canadians, especially young voters.
Cleaner air and water
Phasing out coal, cracking down on greenhouse gases, and putting cash into some clean tech; carbon pricing is instrumental in these industrial advancements.
Electric transit: York Region’s getting 180 zero-emission buses by 2027; ONxpress is slowly electrifying Go trains with federal support; and school buses? The ZET Fund can help replace the diesel dinos if companies can get local support to put the pedal to the metal.
Renewable energy’s forecast is only partly sunny: some offshore wind (B.C. and N.S.), and solar project funding with new legislation for net-zero electricity grids by 2035.
Investments in urban green spaces, local green projects, and affordable housing mean healthier communities.
Reforestation, protecting 30% of land and water by 2030, and the emissions cap aim to save ecosystems, which in turn mean better human health, while tackling severe weather costs — $7 billion this year.
Clean water - some First Nations still don’t have this fundamental need but 83 per cent of long-term drinking water advisories have been lifted (170 ignored by the previous government). 31 left are in progress.
Clean Energy funding is dropping diesel use in rural, remote, and Indigenous communities, improving both air quality and housing.
Plastics — are you still single-using? Legislation is fighting plastic pollution that harms humans, wildlife, and marine ecosystems.
Affordable climate action
EVs remain pricey, but investments in local EV and battery plants, a $5,000 rebate (Ontario pulled its matching one), lower operating costs and 85,000 charging stations by 2029 could make them more accessible soon. (a good transition model for gas stations)
Retrofit rebates can lower energy bills but without upfront financing, many families can't make cost cutting upgrades. New building codes, a Renters Bill of Rights, and green incentives are beginning to make housing more affordable and businesses more financially viable while eco-friendly.
Green jobs = brighter futures. Programs create work in clean industries while helping fossil fuel workers shift to longer lasting careers.
Funds empower farmers adopting sustainable practices, aiming for local food security and productivity while protecting farmland and ecosystems.
The fixes needed
Current targets still won't meet the Paris Agreement. It’s time to pull the goalie.
Fossil fuels — the largest GHG emitters — make trillions in profit that leaves
Canada. Let’s redirect subsidies to homegrown energy solutions that already work.
Triple wind power — offshore wind is more powerful, eco-friendly, cost-effective and doable in a couple years.
First Nations’ justice — Alternative energy sources and green tech mineral mining must fully involve them and not harm.
Twenty-five to 45 per cent of homebuyers can't afford a detached house. An income of $100,000 means affordable housing is around $500,000, so a variety of affordable, energy efficient units, rentals and subsidized housing is essential, but not on protected green space and farmland, along with upfront retrofit rebates for lower income households.
Five provinces, including Ontario, are blocking progress, reversing safeguards, and pushing conflicting measures. While the notwithstanding clause might not be a direct tool for enforcing climate action, governments have legal avenues to prioritize human survival. If we aren’t even protecting species at risk with the laws already in place what does that mean down the line?
It’s a climate emergency. Canadians deserve no-nonsense updates, COVID-style: clear, factual, urgent, and action-driven.
Results speak
This federal government has invested $100 billion in climate solutions that improve health and affordability. Yet, we’re still off target and funds need to get more into action. Why the opposition and hidden information by others? It's a David vs. Goliath fight. Powerful fossil fuel industries spread misinformation, just as cigarette companies once did, telling us their products are safe, essential, and desirable. Will we keep falling for it?
You don’t need to be passionate about politics to fight for your future. Your vote is your power; use your voice, use your vote.
It’s worth asking: if a political party plans to scrap climate policies, what will that mean for our daily health and affordability? Would you rather have a leader who fights for social justice and climate solutions, protecting our future or one who will remove cost-saving legislation and take us into more harm, clinging to fading fossil fuel?
Cut through the noise and vote for leaders committed to a cleaner, healthier, and more affordable future for all, not just profit for a few.
Ontario elections? Its track record since 2018 is up next.
