There is a rule in politics that states simply: “Public policy always follows public will.” Not always quickly — in fact, rarely quickly. But make no mistake: governments listen to the people.
In the most recent federal election, it was clear that Canadians understand the threat of climate change and want and expect their governments to act on this threat. As your newly elected member of parliament, I’m listening.
That is why Fridays for Future (FFF) has been so important. I have begun learning more about climate solutions from these bright and passionate young people. I am so pleased that one of their leading voices, Sophia Mathur, is participating in COP26 — the United Nations climate conference — in Glasgow this week.
As we come upon four years of leadership by FFF, I want you to know that its efforts, and efforts like it all over the country, are working. Our government has been listening, and we are on a path to reduce greenhouse gas emissions by 40-45 per cent below 2005 levels by 2030. We are on track to eliminate fossil fuel subsidies in Canada by 2023.
We are headed toward a carbon-neutral economy by 2050, but we need to make faster progress if we are to meet these objectives.
I believe that one important piece of this progress is our government’s commitment to a “Just Transition” away from fossil fuels. A just transition is about helping individuals and families whose livelihoods and incomes are impacted by declining fossil fuel demand.
A just transition to a low-carbon future must include, for example, training opportunities for workers in oil and gas industries to move into other good-paying, safe jobs in green energy.
To that end, Canada is already established as a clean tech leader with the second largest number of clean tech companies in the world.
By mobilizing our decades of expertise in technologies like smelter emissions reductions and safer, less wasteful industrial practices, cities like Sudbury can be a vital part of this green shift.
Of course, our minerals will also be necessary for batteries for electric cars and other zero-emissions technologies — some of which have yet to be invented.
This all reminds me of what Sophia said at the beginning of the pandemic, when these gatherings took on a different shape.
"We still have the same message, which is 'listen to the experts and co-operate'. I really hope that adults and governments will take this crisis seriously," she said.
That’s why COP26 and Fridays For Future are so important. We must keep developing new ideas, public policy, and new technologies to address the climate emergency. We must honour our international commitments to reduce emissions. We must continue listening to young leaders – and as they rightly point out, the scientists and experts.
I remain optimistic about our fight against climate change. I look forward to learning about the outcomes of COP26 and helping to support the role that Sudbury and Sudburians will play in implementing the vision for a better future.
Viviane Lapointe is the Liberal MP for the Sudbury riding.
