Thunder Bay Environmental Advocates Voice Urgent Climate Change Concerns Ahead of Election | CBC News

People in Thunder Bay, Ontario, want climate change to be a top issue in this election, but it’s not being prioritized nationally. In a recent survey, only 5% of respondents considered the environment their most important concern, compared to 24% who felt that way in 2021. Instead, issues like trade relations with the U.S. dominate the conversation.

While many voters might not be focused on climate change, experts like Charles Levkoe from Lakehead University emphasize the urgent need for action. He believes climate change isn’t just an abstract problem; it has real effects on everyone—from Indigenous communities to farmers.

In Thunder Bay, local leaders are taking action. The city declared a climate emergency in 2020 and created a plan to achieve net-zero emissions by 2050. Keira Essex, chair of the EarthCare Advisory Committee, notes how the area’s unique environment makes climate issues feel more immediate. Thunder Bay is home to many Indigenous communities facing threats from climate change, and Essex stresses the collective responsibility to protect their lands.

Graham Saunders, president of Environment North, raises concerns about plans for a deep geological repository for nuclear waste near Indigenous lands in northwestern Ontario. Instead of investing in nuclear energy, he advocates for renewable technologies like solar panels. Reaching net-zero emissions isn’t debatable, he argues; it’s about discussing the best approaches to get there.

They all agree that food systems and climate change are interconnected issues that need attention. Levkoe points out that while Canada has a Food Policy, it lacks momentum and focus. Young voices like Essex’s reflect a growing worry: "I think for a lot of young people, there’s so much fear about what their future looks like," she shares.

In social media, many younger Canadians voice their anxieties about climate change’s impact on their lives. They want authentic engagement and representation in discussions that directly affect their future.

As the election approaches, local advocates hope their voices will encourage candidates to prioritize climate change. They believe real solutions won’t come from politicians but from the grassroots efforts of communities committed to fighting climate challenges.

For more on the government’s food policy, check out the official Food Policy for Canada.

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