As Canada’s Parliament returns to session this fall, we must make sure that a green and just recovery is the government’s top priority. We don’t have a moment to lose – big polluters have been busy lobbying for bailouts and exemptions from environmental rules.
Finance Minister Chrystia Freeland holds a lot of power when it comes to determining the direction the country takes as we recover from COVID-19. Today, we are calling on her to ensure that when the government lays out its priorities in the upcoming Speech from the Throne, it includes strong investments to implement a green and just recovery in Canada.
She must fully commit to implementing the Demands for a Green and Just Recovery:
- A just transition to a sustainable low-carbon economy
- The protection and restoration of land, freshwater, and ocean ecosystems along with the wildlife that call these places home
- An end to the use of single-use plastics, and the growth of a circular economy
- The replacement of toxic chemicals used in agricultural, consumer goods and manufacturing with safer alternatives
- The development of accessible, affordable and healthy communities and transportation networks
- A future that prioritizes social and racial justice, economic equity, and well-being, built in partnership with Indigenous Peoples and the communities most exposed to environmental harm
We have a once-in-a-generation opportunity to build a more just, sustainable, and healthy Canada – a Canada that works for everyone, not just the few. But big polluters are pushing the federal government to funnel recovery spending into their pockets instead.
Millions have already joined the call for a green and just recovery. Today, let’s make sure we’re heard!
TAKE ACTION TODAY
Chrystia Freeland is Canada’s Finance Minister and manages the federal budget. As our society recovers from COVID-19, she should lead the way towards a green and just recovery for all that tackles the climate and biodiversity crises.
Below are some sample tweets, posts and comments for you to demand a green recovery. You can also contact Minister Freeland by phone and/or email – and we encourage you to add your own personal comments as well!
Sample Tweet 1:
Min Freeland: You have spoken about an equitable & sustainable #COVID19 recovery. Will you publicly commit to invest in a green & #JustRecovery for Canada? @cafreeland #GreenRecovery #oneearthonevoice
Sample Tweet 2:
Min Freeland: You said #COVID19 recovery should be just & sustainable. Actions speak louder than words. Will the Throne Speech commit us to green & #justrecovery? @cafreeland #GreenRecovery #oneearthonevoice
Copy and paste this text as a comment under their last post on Facebook or Instagram:
Minister Freeland, I am asking you to publicly commit to a green and just recovery from #COVID19. Your government was elected on a mandate to tackle the climate and biodiversity crises and build a stronger, more inclusive and more resilient country. You have spoken about the need for a sustainable and equitable recovery but we need firm commitments in the upcoming Speech from the Throne. Will you commit to a recovery plan that invests in a green and #JustRecovery that puts people and our planet first? #oneearthonevoice
Call script: (constituency office phone number 416-928-1451; Minister’s office: 613-369-3710)
“Hello Minister Freeland, My name is ________. I am calling to ask you to publicly commit to a green and just recovery. Your government was elected on a mandate to tackle the climate and biodiversity crises and build a stronger, more inclusive and more resilient country. You have spoken about the need for a sustainable and equitable recovery but we need firm commitments in the Speech from the Throne. Will you publicly commit to announcing a recovery plan that invests in a green and just recovery that puts people and our planet first?”
Sample email (fin.minfinance-financemin.fin@canada.ca)
Dear Minister Freeland,
I want to thank you for your work in these difficult times. As we continue to respond to the COVID-19 health crisis and prepare to rebuild, we cannot go back to the way things were. We need a recovery that puts people and the planet first and steers our society towards a sustainable future. We know that right now the government is working on a longer-term recovery plan. Millions of people in Canada have already raised their voices to ask that government relief helps people, not polluters. But so far, the federal government has not done enough.
As Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Finance, you have a lot of influence when it comes to determining which way the COVID-19 recovery steers our country and you have spoken in support of an equitable and sustainable recovery. To rebuild our country better and stronger after COVID-19, it’s critical that we address the intersecting crises facing society, including: wealth inequality, colonialism, racism and climate change. As such, any economic recovery plan must uphold the six principles of a Just Recovery. To ensure a green recovery from the COVID-19 pandemic, clear guidelines are needed. These green strings should be attached to all COVID-19 recovery measures. The recovery from COVID-19 must make our society more resilient, fair and sustainable. I urge you to develop a recovery plan that invests in a just and green recovery.
Sincerely,
Your name and postal code