It’s been almost a year of campaigning for a Green and Just recovery. The persistent lobby efforts of emailing, phone calls, and requesting meetings with MPs have been powerful. Online, the constant flow of social media storms, virtual actions, and training has brought us together and heightened our voices and skillsets. On the streets postering, massive street murals, banner drops, sit-ins, billboard takeovers, pipeline protests, Indigenous-led blockades and action camps, and even climate rallies (despite size restrictions) have continued in some cities with passion and vibrancy.
While the Liberal Throne Speech last September provided some progress in their recovery plans, its lack of detail failed to make the mark. This was yet another big disappointment. Given the urgency of the crises we face right now, we need more ambitious and immediate actions in order to build back fossil-free for a fair, climate-safe future.
A year into the pandemic, we are at a critical juncture – the decisions that are made today will lay the foundation for what comes next. Both the upcoming Liberal Convention and the unveiling of the Federal budget in April are opportunities for us to influence our future. On April 9 and 10th, Liberal politicians and the public will be having important policy conversations to “move forward with bold action on health, the economy, the environment, equality and much more”. On the 19th, Chrystia Freeland will also unveil what she calls the most significant budget of our lifetimes.
Will the Liberals deliver on the promise of a green & just recovery from covid-19, or will they keep funding the fossil fuel industry?
Time is running out: With less than two weeks to go, we don’t have long to act. That’s why people are mobilizing across Canada for one final push to send our elected representatives a message: This is our future, and we want it to be fossil-free. Greenpeace local groups are taking action again this month by stenciling the streets outside MP offices with washable chalk paint. One of my favourite grassroots tactics – merging art and activism as a way to send a powerful message of what we want our tax dollars invested in! This is part of Greenpeace’s ongoing efforts to pressure decision-makers to do what’s best for everyone amidst climate breakdown and a global pandemic.
The movement hasn’t stalled. Despite the barriers and risks we are all facing because of COVID-19, we are still organizing as best as we can. If anything, the pandemic has made us more empathetic and compassionate, and taught us, more concretely, the importance of self-care and love in activist culture.
Activism during COVID requires careful consideration – more than usual. Something as simple as painting a banner may have various obstacles. Folks are searching for what they can do safely. The risks we take as activists should not, and must not ever put others at risk. This consideration, which has always existed as part of nonviolent resistance, is more relevant now than ever. The vital stronghold of our movement – community connection – is challenged by social distancing and lockdowns, not to mention the endless zoom fatigue – and it’s hard to just get out of bed some days. I’ve found myself seeking out new methods of peaceful and creative actions that I can do alone, or in my existing family bubble. I try to keep my eye on the prize, slow and steady, constantly aware that my inaction now may potentially have far greater impacts in the future, for everyone, especially those most vulnerable, but also keenly aware that this isn’t a sprint. Being innovative, agile, and safe during this critical time is essential. This is the way 🙂
I’ll be the first to admit- it certainly hasn’t been easy. It’s been a year of introspection and uncertainty. Likewise, the sense of urgency has been mounting. Simultaneously, the need for unity among movements is becoming more embedded in our work, and this is really inspiring. I know now, more than ever, that we need to care for each other, work more collaboratively and pace ourselves for the long haul. I have also learned that limiting eco-anxiety and preventing activist burnout within our communities is a vital component to protecting our planet and its people. Self-care isn’t selfish, it’s essential.
As a mom of two young children, I am mesmerized by the fact that after almost 25 years of my own activism, I am now teaching my own beautiful children these lessons I’ve learned. Sharing stories of both success and failure – all of which, I hope will inspire them to continue the work for environmental protection, peace, and justice when they are older. I take it day by day, keep it fun, and trust in this work knowing that our efforts do bring results, albeit, sometimes too little too late. Because it always takes time – but that is no excuse and we still have the power and the right to demand better and faster results.
We know that people taking action together can move mountains.
People power has helped put the breaks on so many destructive fossil fuel projects in the last few years. We’ve seen that the tide is turning. I urge you to take a moment to do whatever you can. I know that taking to the streets or organizing creative actions might not be in your wheelhouse right now, but demanding change can start with just a simple email. It’s the culmination of diverse actions that will get us there.
Please write to Trudeau now and tell his government to cancel TMX, stop oil and gas subsidies, and take care of communities.
Thank you for everything you do!
I have so much respect for your determination and perseverance, always, but now more than ever.
