FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

July 5th, 2015

Contact: Graham Reeder, 647 880 0786

Photos: http://bit.ly/1CUEBcQ

10,000+ MARCH FOR JOBS, JUSTICE, AND THE CLIMATE

TORONTO —  A diverse crowd of 10,000 Canadians took to the streets today for a historic march through Toronto, calling on the country’s leaders to embrace an economic agenda that prioritizes jobs, justice, and our climate. Among the marchers were students, workers from national labor unions, First Nations representatives, and high-profile public figures including Bill McKibben, Naomi Klein, and Jane Fonda. Organizers reached their estimate by stationing spotters on rooftops along the march route, counting sections of the passing crowd.

Jennifer Henry, Executive Director of KAIROS said: “Jobs, Justice, Climate — these are not just issues but the intersecting moral and ethical challenge of our time.”

Four different contingents in the march visually depicted what Canada’s new economy should look like. That economy “starts with justice” for Indigenous peoples and those most impacted, creates “good work, clean jobs and healthy communities”, recognizes that “we have solutions” and shows “we know who is responsible” for causing the climate crisis.

Angel Reyes, Workers Action Centre said: “We need to respect the environment and the workers who do the labour to take care of our environment. As one of those workers, I need decent work and wages – right now our work is not healthy and we have little protection. This has to change.”

Nigel Barriffe, a school teacher in Rexdale, a member of the Good Jobs for All Coalition and Board Chair of Toronto’s Urban Alliance on Race Relations said: “Communities affected by poverty and racialized communities are among the first to be negatively affected by climate change. Residents of Toronto’s inner suburbs, including those living in community housing, endured extended power outages during the recent ice storms.”

Melina Laboucan-Massimo, member of the Lubicon Cree (a tar sands-affected community), Greenpeace Canada campaigner and 350.org board member said: “Even in the heart of the tar sands, we see communities building the new energy economy we need by implementing solar solutions. Our communities can no longer be written off as sacrifice zones. We are showing how everyone and every roof can be a part of the solution to our economic and climate crises.”

Anastasia Harripaul, Registered Nurse said: “As a registered nurse, the damage being done to the global climate has and will continue to have a profound effect on global health – it is a matter of environmental and social justice. Of concern, vulnerable populations will be the most affected by climate change – the homeless, the indigenous people, those with inadequate housing, and individuals living in coastal regions. Decisive political leadership to tackle climate change is overdue and urgent – I will continue to support RNAO as my professional association in advocating for the public on this critical and devastating human challenge.”

John Clarke, of the Ontario Coalition Against Poverty said: “We support this march because the poor and homeless have the fewest options of anyone in the face of climate change and it’s obvious that a society that creates wealth but accepts poverty will not make the just and rational choices needed to avert impending climate disaster.”

Myeengun Henry, Chippewas of the Thames Band councillor said: “Chippewas of the Thames First Nation has been seeking consultation from Canada, they can’t pass this responsibility off to a third party called the National Energy Board to approve pipeline projects in our territory.

More quotes are below,
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POUR DIFFUSION IMMÉDIATE

5 juillet 2015

Contact : Graham Reeder, (647) 880-0786

Photos : http://bit.ly/1CUEBcQ

PLUS DE 10 000 PERSONNES MARCHENT POUR LE CLIMAT, LA JUSTICE ET LA TRANSITION

TORONTO – Plus de 10 000 Canadiennes et Canadiens de tous horizons se sont rassemblés dans les rues de Toronto aujourd’hui pour demander aux politiciens de prendre des mesures économiques qui donneront la priorité à la protection du climat, à la justice sociale et à une transition créatrice d’emplois. Cette marche historique a réuni des étudiants, des travailleurs des plus importants syndicats du pays, des représentants des Premières Nations ainsi que des personnalités publiques telles que Bill McKibben, Naomi Klein et Jane Fonda. Pour établir le nombre de participants, les organisateurs ont positionné des observateurs sur les toits afin qu’ils effectuent un décompte de la foule section par section le long du parcours.

Selon Jennifer Henry, directrice générale de KAIROS : « Le climat, la justice et la transition sont des enjeux hors du commun qui constituent le principal défi éthique et moral de notre époque. »

La marche était formée de quatre groupes symbolisant quatre grands principes d’une nouvelle économie canadienne. Cette nouvelle économie, fondée sur la justice envers les peuples autochtones et les communautés les plus affectées par les changements climatiques, entamera une transition créatrice d’emplois de qualité dans des communautés plus saines. Elle sera axée sur les solutions, mais également tiendra pour responsables ceux qui ont mené à la crise climatique actuelle.

Selon Angel Reyes, membre du Workers’ Action Centre : « Nous devons respecter l’environnement et les travailleurs qui en prennent soin. En tant qu’ouvrier du domaine environnemental, j’aimerais être traité et payé convenablement. Nos emplois actuels sont précaires et insalubres. Il faut que ça change. »

Selon le professeur Nigel Barriffe, membre de la coalition Good Jobs for All et président du conseil d’administration de la Toronto Urban Alliance on Race Relations : « Les minorités visibles et les communautés défavorisées sont frappées de plein fouet par les changements climatiques. Les résidents des quartiers défavorisés de Toronto et les locataires de logements sociaux ont subi des pannes d’électricité prolongées lors des plus récentes tempêtes de verglas. »

Selon Melina Laboucan-Massimo, membre de la Première Nation des Cris du Lubicon (qui subit l’impact de l’exploitation des sables bitumineux), militante de Greenpeace et siégeant sur le conseil d’administration de 350.org : « Au coeur même des sables bitumineux, nous avons vu des communautés installer des panneaux solaires et participer à la nouvelle économie. Le temps où nos communautés sont sacrifiées est révolu. Nous voulons démontrer que chaque individu et chaque toit de maison peut contribuer à solutionner les problèmes économiques et climatiques que nous vivons. »

Selon l’infirmière Anastasia Harripaul : « Les dommages causés au climat ont un impact de plus en plus important sur la santé publique. La protection du climat est une question de justice sociale, puisque les populations les plus défavorisées seront les plus touchées. Je pense en particulier aux sans-abri, aux mal-logés, aux peuples autochtones et aux populations côtières. Il est urgent que nos politiciens fassent preuve d’initiative en matière climatique. Pour ma part, je continuerai d’appuyer l’Association des infirmières et infirmiers autorisés de l’Ontario, qui a choisi de sensibiliser le public à cet enjeu crucial. »

Selon John Clarke, de la Coalition anti-pauvreté de l’Ontario : « Nous appuyons cette marche parce que les pauvres et les sans-abri sont peu outillés pour faire face à des changements climatiques dévastateurs, et parce que notre société aux écarts de richesse croissants apparaît incapable de faire elle-même les choix équitables et rationnels qui s’imposent. »

Selon Myeengun Henry, membre du conseil de bande de la Première Nation Chippewa de la Thames : « Nous voulons être consultés directement par le gouvernement canadien. Le gouvernement tente de se déresponsabiliser en déléguant cette tâche à l’Office national de l’énergie pour faire approuver les projets d’oléoducs qui passent par notre territoire. »

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More Quotes – From July 5th

Naomi Klein, Author, This Changes Everything: “Now is the time to send a clear message to our political leaders that we reject the false choices pitting the economy against the planet. If we are willing to confront the logic of bottomless greed, we can have a thriving and fair economy and a safe and stable climate.”

Bill McKibben, Author and Activist: “It’s so good to see the real Canada standing up–the one we need helping solve the planet’s problems, not make them worse.”

Jerry Dias, President of Unifor: “We can have both good jobs and a healthy, sustainable environment. What we urgently need is the political leadership and commitment to make that happen. Today, Unifor is joining millions around the world in expressing our commitment to creating solutions that build a prosperous economy and a healthy environment – and calling on our political leaders to take meaningful action.”

John Cartwright, President of Toronto & York Region Labour Council: “Toronto’s Labour Council has been speaking out for social and economic justice since 1871. In recent decades we have added climate justice to our  goals as a movement, because there are no jobs on a dead planet. A sustainable green economy has to be the basis of our future prosperity.”

Ontario Federation of Labor President Sid Ryan: “This is the fight of our era. Labour unions are joining forces with Aboriginal, environmental and civil society activists to protect our communities, our livelihoods and our collective future. No one can escape the devastating effects of climate destruction, but those effects will certainly have an unequal impact on the most vulnerable people, jobs and habitats around the world. It is time to decide what kind of world we want and define it in the interest of people and the planet, not corporate profit.”

Deena Ladd of Workers Action Centre: “This march is about making critical connections between those of us fighting for decent work and justice with the struggle to protect our planet. The time is now for our movements to join together and work together in solidarity for a just and fair future for everyone.”

Emmay Mah of Step Up, Canada: “It’s time for us to take the lead and present a unified vision of the world we want to live in. For a long time, we have spent our energy on trying to reverse a destructive path that hasn’t served the people and planet. We’re changing the terms of engagement. We, the people, are leading the transition to a more equitable clean energy economy.”

Amy Wang of Toronto Youth Environmental Council: “Youth truly care about the world that we are going to inherit. That is why we are all marching! Decision makers and politicians need to realize that young people not only understand that climate change is the reality but more importantly, we also recognize that the solutions which are needed to create a better environment are right in front of us. It’s important to take climate action now, before it’s too late!”

Tings Chak, of No One Is Illegal, Toronto: “When we talk about justice, we’re talking about justice for all of us who have moved, are moving and will continue to move. The climate crisis is the newest result of wars, colonialism, neoliberalism and borders which forces people to leave their homes in search for dignity and then face racism and exclusion if and when they arrive here in Canada. Jobs, justice and climate action must mean full immigration status for migrant workers and undocumented people.”

Myles Magner, Vice-President, OPSEU Region 5: “Governments and corporations keep telling us that there is no alternative… That we can’t afford equality and social justice. That good jobs, quality public  services, and strong communities are a thing of the past. That the destruction of our environment is inevitable. We know they are wrong! That’s why labour is committed to the fight for quality public services, good jobs, strong, healthy communities, and a sustainable environment. It’s time we put people – and our planet – before profits.”

Tantoo Cardinal: “The conversation has barely begun. While scientists and realists all scream “We are reaching a tipping point!” Mining, drilling, fracking, pesticide/chemical poisoning continues. Our children vocalize ­ “This is Our future you are destroying”. It is of the utmost urgency we put our hearts, minds, spirits together to shift the paradigm. What we create must be mindful of the health of our sustenance. Be Cool. Stand by the Rights of Mother Earth.”

Doris Grinspun, CEO of the Registered Nurses Association of Ontario: “For nurses, climate change is a matter of environmental and social justice. The lack of political will to meaningfully tackle climate change is endangering the health of our planet and its people. As nurses, we see the impact of environmental erosion every day, and know that its first victims are the poor, vulnerable and marginalized. For RNAO, there is an undeniable link between climate justice and health for all, and we are committed to the public interest, solidarity and justice across national and international lines.”

Joy Kennedy, Fast for the Climate: “Fast for the Climate, a movement of thousands around the world, is physically and spiritually demonstrating solidarity with the most vulnerable and the belief that climate justice is an ethical imperative. People from all walks of life and faith perspectives fast on the first day of every month calling on us all to consume less, and on world leaders, including Canada’s, to exhibit moral courage to confront the climate crisis and set us on a path to a just transition to a safe climate future. To not act is cowardly, greedy, and wrong – to act now is essential for survival of life on this planet.”

Christina Parousis of the Ontario Geoengineering Action Group said: “We are here because we are concerned about what is occurring with our climate. Canadian Geoengineer David Keith proposes dumping 10 million metric tons of alumina oxide (a debilitating neuro toxin) into the atmosphere to mitigate climate change, also referred to as “Global Dimming”. Climate Conferences are now presently being held to rubberstamp geoengineering programs.  Blocking the sun and adding more pollutants into the atmosphere is not the solution. Through our grassroots movement, Ontario Geoeongineering Action Group is marching to create awareness about climate engineering.”

July 5, 2015 – Contact: Graham Reeder, (647) 880-0786

Thousands to March in Toronto for Jobs, Justice and the Climate

March on July 5 comes on eve of the Pan American Climate and Economic Summits

TORONTO — Thousands of people, including politicians, entertainers, artists, and workers will take to the streets on Sunday in a march through downtown Toronto demanding an economy that works for both people and the planet. More information on the march is available at www.jobsjusticeclimate.ca.

Four different contingents in the march will visually depict what this new economy looks like: “It starts with justice” for Indigenous peoples and those most impacted, creates “good work, clean jobs and healthy communities”, recognizes that “we have solutions” and shows “we know who is responsible” for causing the climate crisis.

MEDIA SCHEDULE 

11:30 am — Press Tent

Description: Credentialed media outlets are invited to mingle with official spokespeople for the March for Jobs, Justice, and the Climate in the event’s press tent. The full list and biographies of the spokespeople are as follows– click here for pictures: 

Location: Canopy Next to Northwest Rebellion Monument on the Northeast corner of the park off Grosvener and Queens Park Crescent E.

12:30 pm — Press Conference

Myeengun Henry is an elder, Aboriginal Traditional Counselor from Chippewa of the Thames First Nation near London Ontario. 

Description: Selected speakers will deliver short messages to media outlets at the official press conference. There will be opportunities for photo and video, as well as technical equipment for television and radio journalists.

Location: Podium in Press Tent (see above)

1:00 PM — Rally starts

Description: The really will feature the following speakers each representing a quadrant of the march, will speak.

Ellen Gabriel, Mohawk Indigenous Human Rights Activist & Artist – ‘It Starts with Justice’ Contingent
Fred Hahn, President CUPE Ontario –  ‘Good Work, Clean Jobs, Health Communities’ Contingent
Jody Chan & Amanda Harvey-Sanchez, Student Divestment Organizers  – ‘We Have Solutions’ Contingent
Syed Hussan-,Organizer, No One is Illegal – ‘We Know Who is Responsible’ Contingent

Location: Staging area at the center of the lawn in front of Ontario Legislature in Queens Park

1:45 PM: March starts and will end at approximately 4:00 PM with a community block party, musical guests, and art installations in Allan Gardens.

WHO: A diverse coalition of individuals and groups from across Canada, including labor unions representing Alberta oil workers, First Nations on the frontlines of extraction projects, racialized communities from climate-impacted regions, environmental groups, anti-poverty, worker and faith groups, health workers, scientists, students, migrant justice groups, and others. A full list of participating organizations is available here: jobsjusticeclimate.ca/partners.

Visuals: Large puppets such as a 15 foot brontosaurus, a solar powered alternative Pan Am torch, a 40 foot banner, and more. The end of the march in Allan Gardens will include high-profile musical guests and a photography exhibit.

Special Guests: A number of high-profile Canadians and others will march, including: David Suzuki, Naomi Klein, Bill McKibben, Stephen Lewis, and Maude Barlow. Celebrities attending will be announced soon.

For more information: https://jobsjusticeclimate.ca/

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May 21st 2015

Media event May 21st 2015 on Bay Street Launches the ‘March for Jobs, Justice and the Climate’ before Pan American Summits

Dozens of people expected to join press conference today with Naomi Klein and movement representatives to announce The March for Jobs, Justice and the Climate, a mobilization on July 5th to coincide with the Pan American Climate and Economic Summits

Toronto at 11:00am on Thursday, May 21st at King & Bay Street a broad coalition of groups, representing hundreds of thousands of people across Canada, will host a press event to announce plans for the “March for Jobs, Justice and the Climate.”

The speakers at the press conference will include author and activist Naomi Klein, President of Unifor Jerry Dias, and representatives from 350.org, Idle No More, Greenpeace, No One is Illegal, University of Toronto Divestment student organizers, and others.

The march on July 5th will call for a justice-based transition to a clean-energy economy in Canada, and is expected to attract thousands of people in Toronto on the eve of the Climate Summit of the Americas and Pan American Economic Summit. A justice-based transition ensures that those most impacted by the climate crisis – Indigenous, racialized, poor and working people – are the first to benefit from this new economy.

“It is morally indefensible for us to continue to pursue an economic growth strategy that brings our climate closer to an irreversible tipping point. Canada needs an energy economy that respects Free Prior and Informed consent of Indigenous frontline communities and creates good, clean jobs for workers, and on July 5th we’re going to hit the streets of Toronto to demand it,” said Clayton Thomas Muller, a campaigner with 350.org.

“We call on the Canadian government to go to the Paris climate negotiations with credible climate goals to prevent more than a 2 degree Celsius warming of the world. I call on corporate Canada to make employment-centered investments in sustainable energy and innovation to meet Canada’s climate goals,” said Jerry Dias, president of Unifor, a union that represents 300,000 private sector workers, including thousands of energy workers in Alberta.

The mobilization will demonstrate massive and growing public support for a new economy that creates thousands of climate-friendly jobs, tackles inequality, honours Indigenous rights and stops runaway climate change.

“Our communities deserve justice and cannot continue to be sacrifice zones. Even in the heart of the tar sands, communities are organizing to be part of the new renewable energy economy. Everyone and every roof can be a part of the solar solution. Panel by panel we will show politicians what true leadership is,” said Melina Laboucan-Massimo, Lubicon Cree member and a Greenpeace climate campaigner.

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Media contacts

Graham Reeder, 350.org, Canada communications coordinator: (647) 880-0786   graham@350.org

For more information: https://jobsjusticeclimate.ca/media/

Naomi Klein, author of This Changes Everything, tells the press that Canadians are tired of the “fossil fuel roller coaster.”

President of Unifor, Canada’s largest public sector union, Jerry Dias represents thousands of workers in oil and gas and recognizes that we need to move towards a new, renewables based economy.

Melina Laboucan-Massimo is a member of the Lubicon Cree First Nation and a Climate and Energy Campaigner with Greenpeace Canada. Melina calls the tar sands home. “Communities like mine can no longer be the sacrifice zones,” she told us.

Syed Hussan is an organizer with No one is Illegal Toronto– a grassroots, migrant justice group. Hussan announced that we are marching against capitalism, racism and displacement.

Jody Chan– student organizer with Toronto 350 told us that students were marching for an economy that “takes power from the hands of socially irresponsible corporation and gives it back to the people.”

Wanda Nanibush, a leader in the Idle No More movement, asserted that Indigenous peoples must be a the forefront of efforts to address climate change.

350.org Indigenous Extreme Energy Campaigner, Clayton Thomas-Muller, welcomed the speakers to the event.