We need nation-building, not nation-burning policies.
Ahead of another summer of potential wildfires, floods, evacuations and storms, mayors and councillors across Canada gathered urgently to call for achievable, job-creating federal climate action.
Close to 300 mayors, councillors and local elected leaders are underscoring the need for federal investments in projects that cut pollution while protecting communities and strengthening the Canadian economy.
“The policy ideas we’re proposing are popular and achievable. Most Canadians believe the country would be safer if we produced more renewable energy, two-thirds favour developing clean energy over fossil fuels— and two thirds of Canadians support an excess profits tax on oil and gas companies that could pay for massive amounts of climate friendly infrastructure. There are significant majorities that the government should be listening to.”
David Miller, former Mayor of Toronto and Elbows Up for Climate co-chair.
“Mark Carney has told his critics that he wants to hear what they’re for, not what we’re against, so here it is: municipal leaders want nation-building, not nation-burning projects. My town has been assessed number one in Canada to suffer a catastrophic wildfire in the near future—this is what keeps me up at night. But we can protect our communities and build a strong economy through investments in wind, solar, and sustainable hydro. Life can be good with a truly national electricity grid—powered by renewable energy, not fossil fuels like LNG.”
Merlin Blackwell, mayor of Clearwater, BC
“It’s been one emergency after another for years in the North. As municipal leaders we are the ones taking on these threats to our communities’ health, economies and safety. This map is about making these impacts visible and undeniable so that the federal government will be forced to take serious action.”
Ben Hendriksen, mayor of Yellowknife, NWT
