Recently, the SCAN!-Kawartha group organized a Draw the Line rally in Victoria Park, Lindsay. Around 50 local residents attended, including seniors, high school students, educators, union members, and local politicians.
The rally opened with teachings, songs, and drumming from Brittany Taylor, an Anishnaabe-kwe knowledge-holder from Curve Lake First Nation. Key speakers Moya Beall and Ginny Colling highlighted the worsening climate crisis and its local impacts, especially during a challenging summer. Among the young activists, sisters Emily and Courtney McGuigany from the student group Green Advocates received loud applause. They expressed their worries about climate change and called for immediate action.
Local councillors Mike Perry, Pat Warren, and Peter Franzen were present and recognized for opposing Ontario’s climate-unfriendly Bill 5. Their support signals the growing political awareness around environmental issues.
During the event, SCAN!’s theatre group performed a climate-focused version of Pinocchio. They presented the Fossils Award to companies that benefit from climate change denial. Member Sheila Cook also engaged the audience with interactive activities about age and climate fears.
This rally was part of a larger global movement, organized by Seniors for Climate, in 72 places across Canada. The Council of Canadians lent their support, with local coordinator George Hewison providing music. Many members from Peterborough joined as a show of solidarity after supporting SCAN!-Kawartha’s previous rally. Attendees signed postcards urging climate action and a petition for a GO-bus link between Lindsay and Oshawa.
This mobilization reflects a growing collective effort to address climate change. According to a recent survey by Ipsos, 76% of Canadians believe climate change is a serious problem requiring immediate action. This widespread concern aligns with the rally’s goals, showcasing the increasing demand for local and national solutions to the climate crisis.
An alarming statistic from the Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change (IPCC) shows that we are nearing the critical 1.5°C increase in global temperatures. Events like this rally provide platforms for the community to unite, raise awareness, and push for change.
