Advocating for clean energy transition
Group expected to meet with MP Ellis
TRURO - Though it was a cheerful crowd on a sunny day, environmental activists had a serious message in Truro: climate action, with a just transition, is needed now.
"We don't want it to be on the backs of Albertans or the backs of oil workers,” said Wilf Bean, 78. “We think everybody should bear the burden and make it fair for everyone moving into a sustainable economy that isn't dependent on fossil fuels.
The gathering with sidewalk chalk and signs was part of the larger Climate Emergency Days of action, with The Council of Canadians and
350 Canada groups visiting MP offices across the nation. The North Shore group, with several members travelling from the Tatamagouche area, were outside the Truro office of Cumberland Colchester MP Dr. Stephen Ellis for about an hour late in the morning of Friday, March 11. The group brought art to his Amherst office the following day.
Bean has terminal cancer. It was important for him to be present, even after having treatment the day prior.
“I've lived a very good life and want to leave the planet
as sustainably as we can into the future,” said Bean. “And at present, we know that we're facing doom on the planet unless we really change the way we consume fossil fuels. So do what energy I have left to work towards that.”
Meghan Macculloch has a seven-year-old daughter and is worried about the future today’s children will face.
“Things need to change and it's already getting to be quite late for that change,” said Macculloch, 20-year advocate. “But we have to hold on to the hope that we will be able to change enough to turn things around.”
The crowd garnered attention on Inglis Place, including that of the Tim Hortons crowd. Some passerby signed their petition for “just transition” legislation, including aspects such as reducing emissions by at least 60 per cent below 2005 levels, helping the Global South cut emissions by 80 per cent before 2030, ending the fossil fuel industry, creating green jobs and economic institutions, increasing public ownership of services and utilities and widening the social safety net.
Michael Jensen said he hopes they help people notice.
"It’s important to me because I have grandchildren, (and) because I live in a lovely place like Nova Scotia – I want it to stay lovely,” said Jensen. “I want to be sure that we're not making choices that ruin it for my grandsons, for my community and for Nova Scotia ... everybody looks into this and recognizes that the signs are all there. The scientists are practically unanimous.”
Ellis was not present, but the group was optimistic about a meeting scheduled for this week. Bean hopes he will agree to meet with other parliamentarians, including some Conservatives who are in favour.
In the 2019 election, Prime Minister Justin Trudeau said he would introduce a Just Transition Act supporting workers being impacted by the shift to decarbonizing the economy. When Parliament returned to session on Nov. 22, 2021 after the election, the social advocacy organization rallied outside the Prime Minister’s office with a digital climate clock counting down, emphasizing how time is running out to counter the climate emergency.
During its ongoing consultation regarding “just transition,” the Government of Canada is accepting submissions via nrcan.justtransitiontransitionequitable.rncan@ canada.ca until April 30, 2022.