People For Climate Justice Stages Peaceful Sit-in In Finance Minister’s Office

The third sit-in at a Conservative MP’s constituency office took place today in Jim Flaherty’s Whitby, Ontario office. These sit-ins are organized by groups of concerned people for climate justice, and will not end until the Conservative government takes strong action on climate change, commits to bold emission reduction targets, and ensures the safety and survival of those hardest hit by the climate crisis. These sit-ins are a wake-up call to the Conservative government of Canada: The Canadian Government must commit to climate justice now!

Seven stage sit-in in Finance Minister Flaherty's office in Whitby, Ontario (Photo credit: Ben Iseman)

The group went in at approximate 9:30am and chained themselves together in the office, vowing not to leave until they were able to speak to the Minister; however, Flaherty refused to talk to the seven individuals until they left the office, saying that he and the group were at “somewhat of a stand-off.” At approximately 4.30pm, police arrived with bolt cutters, cut the chains, and arrested the seven who had been occupying the office. The seven were released later in the evening and were charged with mischief.

“Flaherty, as the Minister of Finance, knows where the money is going. He needs to make sure that he is financing climate justice, not dirty and destructive industries like the tar sands. The Alberta oil industry is literally tarring Canada’s name, preventing the country from reaching any international climate deal, and affecting the health and livelihoods of nearby communities,” says Kimia Ghomeshi who was outside supporting the sit-in.

With the UN Climate Change Negotiations happening in one week, people in Canada are mobilizing to ensure that the Canadian government goes to Copenhagen willing to agree to a fair, just, and legally binding treaty. Recent polls showed that 75% of Canadians are embarrassed about Canada’s inaction on climate change; and just last week in parliament, all opposition parties (the Bloc, NDP, and Liberals) unanimaously passed a motion in support of stronger emission cuts–with all members of the Conservative party being the only MPs who opposed. With the majority of Canadians opposing the Conservatives’ views, we cannot stand by and let the Conservative government define our position when they head to Copenhagen next week. Their views do not represent Canadians, nor do they give us a good name.

“While our government stalls, millions of people will die or become displaced due to the climate crisis,” said Greenpeace Climate and Energy Coordinator, Dave Martin from inside the office earlier today. “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. Minister Flaherty must put pressure on the Government to act and push for a just, ambitious, and binding deal in Copenhagen that is in keeping with the science and is led by 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 of 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 participant, Indra Noyes.

The individuals inside presented a letter addressed to Finance Minister Flaherty outlining their concerns and demands (Attached), while a group outside echoed their demands, and repeated them in French. Just in case francophone Conservatives couldn’t hear. A group of local and regional supporters, including a local Canadian Auto Workers, 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 . . . like those before us, to ensure we do our part to solve the greatest environmental threat of our time,” stated former constituent Janet McNeill.

This protest was the third of a series of peaceful sit-ins targeting elected officials, tar sands financiers, and the coal and tar sands industries across Canada. Similar protests took place in Alberta last week, where a group occupied Minister of the Environment Jim Prentice’s office; and then in Calgary, where a group occupied Minister of Labour (former Minister of the Environment) Rona Ambrose’s office.

Information about the call for civil disobedience for climate justice, as well as updates on actions set to take place across Canada in the coming weeks is online at:

http://canadaclimatejustice.wordpress.com/

DEMAND LETTER:

Honourable Minister Flaherty:

We held a sit-in at 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. Although our protest is over today, we will continue to struggle for climate justice.

Yours,

People For Climate Justice