PEACEFUL SIT-IN FOR CLIMATE JUSTICE OCCURING AT FINANCE MINISTER’S OFFICE
November 30th, 2009
November 30, 2009 (Whitby, Ontario) — The third of a series of peaceful sit-ins staged by a coalition of concerned individuals who are targeting elected officials, tar sands financiers, and the coal and tar sands industries began at Finance Minister Jim Flaherty’s office today, located at: 701 Rossland Road East- Unit 204, Whitby. Seven people entered the office just after 9:30 refusing to leave, demanding that the federal government act to combat the climate crisis and stem the millions of deaths and displacements that will result from more inaction.
“While our government delays millions of people will die or become displaced due to the climate crisis. If they fail to reach an agreement the Canadian government is saying it does not care about the lives of those currently and most affected by climate change,†said Greenpeace Climate and Energy Coordinator, Dave Martin from inside the office, “Minister Flaherty must put pressure on the Government to act and push for a just, ambitious, and binding deal in Copenhagen with science based targets, that is led by the voices of those who are most directly impacted by the climate crisis.”
Inaction on climate change is already displacing and killing millions, and sending many into poverty. The UN estimates there will be 150 million climate refugees by 2050.
“Despite the growing crisis, the Harper Government is trying to sabotage efforts to solve this global problem, expanding the tar sands rather than leading the push for and financing real solutions. We will not let our government delay any further while millions die and are displaced. Their behaviour is unacceptable, we need governmental leadership for climate justice now,†said Toronto resident, Indra Noyes.
The individuals inside have multiple affiliations. They have presented a letter addressed to Finance Minister Flaherty outlining their concerns and demands (Attached). The sit-in of office is still ongoing. The police have been called and there are the potentials for arrests. A group of local and regional supporters have also gathered outside of the Finance Minister’s office.
“Letter writing, rallies, meetings, and phone calls are all important actions, but our Government’s inaction indicates that these tactics are not enough. We must step up the pressure so we are engaging in peaceful civil disobedience, like those before us, to ensure we do our part to solve the greatest environmental threat of our time,” stated former constituent Janet McNeill.
Information about the call for civil disobedience for climate justice, as well updates on actions set to take place across Canada in the coming weeks is online at:
http://canadaclimatejustice.wordpress.com/
Climate protesters occupy riding office of Finance Minister Jim Flaherty (Canadian Press)
JOIN THE ACTIVISTS AND TAKE ACTION FOR CLIMATE JUSTICE
1) Phone and email the office and demand that Flaherty give into
the protesters demands that Canada commit to a just, ambitious and
binding climate treaty in Copenhagen that listens to science and is
led by those most directly affected by the climate crisis. Hearing
supporters call in during the occupation boosts the occupants’
morale significantly
Telephone: (613) 992-6344
Fax: (613) 992-8320
E-mail: flaherty.j@parl.gc.ca
2) Come down and join us outside the front of Jim Flaherty’s office.
MP Jim Flaherty
701 Rossland Road East- Unit 204
Whitby, Ontario L1N 8Y9
3) Organize your own direct action at your local elected officials’
office. Go to the Blog: www.canadaclimatejustice.wordpress.com or
email canadaclimatejustice@gmail.com for more information.
4) Write blogs, comments, op eds and letters to the editor about
the need for the Canadian Government to solve the climate crisis.
It’s best to send letters and op eds to news outlets that have
already published stories.
5) Donate. Legal fees can be expensive; let’s share the load.
Donate to the Citizens For Climate Justice Legal Defence Fund
Checks can be written to:
Greenspiration
214 Macdonell Ave
Toronto, ON, M6R 2A8
PEOPLE FOR CLIMATE JUSTICE
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE:
For More Information Contact:
Crystal Metham
416-435-3516
Katelyn Blacisk
647 929 2400
DEMAND LETTER:
Honourable Minister Flaherty:
We are holding a sit-in at in your constituency office today because the Conservative Government is stalling progress to build a just, meaningful, and binding climate treaty this December
in Copenhagen.
Inaction on climate change is already displacing and killing millions, and sending many into poverty. In Canada, climate change is harming the land and lives of indigenous communities in the Far North.
Globally, recent declines in food production due to climate-catalyzed droughts, is causing food shortages in some poor countries and escalating global hunger. Climate caused events like floods, melting glaciers, and sea level rise, are forcing millions to permanently flee their homes, from Pacific islanders to subsistence farmers in India. The UN estimates there will be 150 million climate refugees by 2050.
We call on you Minister Flaherty to publicly commit to do everything in your power to meaningfully and fairly address the global climate crisis.
We call on you Minister Flaherty to make sure the Canadian Government supports a just, meaningful, and binding climate treaty this December in Copenhagen.
We call on you Minister Flaherty to publicly commit to pass the Climate Change Accountability Act, which calls on Canada to drastically reduce its greenhouse gas emissions and do its’ part to solve climate change.
Finally, we demand that you publicly commit to sign the UN Declaration on the Rights of Indigenous People. Climate change is a human rights issue, and First Nations in Canada are feeling
climate change worst and first.
The global climate crisis is threatening our future, and humanities’ future. We have passed the time for inaction. We demand change.
Yours,
People For Climate Justice
Tags: Canada, civil disobedience, climate, climate action, climate justice, COP15, Flaherty, government, oil sands, protest, tar sands, UN, UNFCCC