Canada and the world must address the climate crisis, one of the most urgent issues of our times. In just a few short weeks, more than 190 countries will meet in Copenhagen, Denmark to forge a new global climate change agreement.

Canada’s government continues to generate serious international criticism for its deconstructive role at climate negotiations. Failing to commit to needed domestic emission reduction targets, failing to help Global South countries adapt to the impacts of climate change and permitting ongoing growth in the Tar Sands all add to our shameful reputation on climate issues.

This must change.

It is important for the Canadian delegation to arrive at the UN Climate Change Conference in Copenhagen (December 7-18, 2009) with commitments to legally binding, science-based greenhouse gas reduction targets.

Bill C-311, The Climate Change Accountability Act, compels the implementation of a comprehensive plan and a set reporting schedule to achieve emission reductions of 25 per cent below 1990 levels by 2020 and 80 per cent below 1990 levels by 2050.

I am concerned that our country has not already committed to the emission reduction targets this Act will establish, which are consistent with the recommendations of the Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change. Further delays are not an option given the gravity of the consequences of not acting on the climate crisis.

The voted-for extension of Bill C-311 that delays  the passage of the Climate Change Accountability Act has ensured that Bill C-311 will not be passed in time for Copenhagen. This is yet another example of Canada taking steps in the wrong direction on climate change. Where are our leaders?

Sincerely,

Tuesday evening marked the end of the Climate Justice Speaking Tour for those of us here in Ontario. This morning Christina Ora and Rahul Bose, along CAN organizer Lauryn Drainie, head to Vancouver. Where, I hope, west-coasters give them the warmest of welcomes and prepare to be moved by these inspiring speakers.

The Hart House, U of T event was the perfect send-off. Thanks, in large part, to the on-campus Indian Students Society who helped to promote, prepare and MC the event. Not to mention turning up in large numbers to support the issues, and snag some shots with Rahul Bose (Indian art-house film actor and keynote speaker).

Also in attendance were many familiar faces from earlier stops in the tour, and co-organizers from the climate change movement here in Toronto. You know who you are! Thank you. You’re always in attendance, always willing to lend support, and lend a hand. I just wanted to take a moment to acknowledge your unwavering commitment. It doesn’t go unnoticed.

Well, enough about the “who’s who” and more about the event itself! There was a special presentation form Mr. Dewayne; a recitation of a traditional Indian prayer to kick off the evening. Followed by our keynote speakers, Christina Ora and Rahul Bose, both of whom continue to move audiences toward deeper thought and, hopefully, action. From their talks we learn how climate change is affecting other parts of the world, and this gives us pause. After which, many of us ask: what can I do? The answer: plenty!

Lauryn Drainie spoke next to present some solutions and some ways in which we can take action—including calling or visiting your MP, connecting with active on-campus and off-campus groups, attending the upcoming International Day of Action this Saturday October 24^th, singing the KYOTOplus petition…the list goes on.

As an end to the evening, I helped to give audience members the opportunity to send a collective message to the Canadian government: “Canada: Solve Climate Change Now”! Our group shot will be part of a video collage posted and sent to our elected officials. In addition to the group photo, there was also a great response of people wanting to personalize this message; adding what has to happen, and why.

Overall, it was a very social and fun evening. I was happy to be a part of it, and it’s great to see so many people just as concerned as I am and wanting to become involved and active.

Traveling to Canada this October, Rahul and Christina  will outline the Canadian Government’s weak position on climate change, what policies we are asking the Canadian Government to adopt, and what we can do to move Canada from environmental laggard to environmental leader.

Christina and Rahul’s speaking tour stops are listed chronologically below.  For more info contact
Jessica Bell at jbell@climateactionnetwork.ca, 416 937 0076.

Wednesday, October 21st, 2pm

Guru Nanak Niwas
Independent Living Facility
12075-75A Avenue
Surrey, BC

Sponsored by:
Progressive Intercultural Community Services

http://www.pics.bc.ca/

Oxfam Canada

http://www.oxfam.ca

Climate Action Network

http://www.climateactionnetwork.ca

For Details Contact:

Pardeep Sahota
PICS Director, Communications | Desk: 604 596 7722, ext 117
pardeep.sahota@pics.bc.ca

Wednesday, October 21st @ 7pm

University of British Columbia
Woodward Library Room 4
2198 Health Sciences Mall
Vancouver, BC
Directions

Sponsored by:
Oxfam UBC
Climate Action Network

For Details Contact:
Sean Devlin
sdevlin@campusclimatenetwork.org
778-321-7306

Thursday, October 22nd @ 4pm

Simon Fraser University
8888 University Dr
Burnaby, BC
Academic Quadrangle – Room #3153

Sponsored by:
Oxfam SFU
Sustainable Initiatives at SFU
Climate Action Network

For Details Contact:
Sean Devlin
sdevlin@campusclimatenetwork.org
778-321-7306

Thursday, October 22nd @ 6pm

Bollywood Banquet Hall
#201 – 8166, 128th Street
Surrey BC

Sponsored by:
Progressive Intercultural Community Services
Oxfam Canada
Climate Action Network

For Details Contact:

Pardeep Sahota
PICS Director, Communications | Desk: 604 596 7722, ext 117
pardeep.sahota@pics.bc.ca

Friday, October 23rd @ 12 noon

Capilano Univesity
Arbutus Building – Room 117
2055 Purcell Way
North Vancouver, BC
Directions

Sponsored by:
Capilano Student Union
Capilano Campus Sustainability Network
Climate Action Network

For Details Contact:
Sean Devlin
sdevlin@campusclimatenetwork.org
778-321-7306

12 noon – Cambie Bridge – Vancouver

Sponsored by:
Oxfam Canada
Voters Taking Action on Climate Change
Climate Action Network
Wilderness Commitee
and many, many more!

FULL DETAILS HERE