Activists take Friday's climate strike to Newmarket-Aurora MP, MPP

Climate action group Fridays for Future - Newmarket-Aurora on Friday, Dec. 6 is taking its demonstration to the offices of the area’s MP and MPP.

The group’s message is one of hope but also of the urgency for political leaders to act to avert climate chaos. The local climate strikes are inspired by young Swedish climate activist Greta Thunberg.

“We are hoping that Christine Elliott (MPP, health minister, and deputy premier) and Tony Van Bynen (Liberal MP) will be available to speak with our group,” said organizer Liam Jones, who recently joined the organizing committee of the local chapter of Fridays for Future. “We need much more from all levels of government. And for that, we need more climate activists.”

Organizers hope their Dec. 6 march for climate action continues to draw larger numbers of demonstrators, especially local youth, they say.

Fridays for Future - Newmarket-Aurora last week brought the global climate strike to Newmarket and Aurora with demonstrations and marches to the municipal offices of each town.

All climate activists are invited to join in what organizers say will be some “messy fun” at a family-friendly climate strike sign-making party Thursday, Dec. 5 from 7 to 10 p.m. at CUPE’s union hall, 165 Pony Dr., in Newmarket.

You are asked to bring your own supplies to use, share or donate, including paint, brushes, masking tape, paint rollers and trays, old white sheets for banner painting, large cardboard boxes, box-cutter style knives, and refreshments.

The Friday, Dec. 6 event gets underway at 11 a.m. with a gathering outside Newmarket-Aurora MPP Christine Elliott’s constituency office at 16635 Yonge St., near Mulock Drive. Just before noon., demonstrators will begin marching to MP Tony Van Bynen’s constituency office at 16600 Bayview Ave., Unit 202, also for an hour-long demonstration.