PRESS RELEASE
For immediate release
100% Possible: Canadians to March for a Future that is 100% Clean by 2050
(Ottawa, November 17, 2015)—On the eve of the UN Climate Summit in Paris, thousands of Canadians will march to Parliament Hill to urge the new government to take strong action on climate change and get Canada to 100% clean by 2050.
A diverse coalition has come together for 100% Possible: Marching for Climate Solutions and Justice. The Ottawa event will take place as millions march in over 1700 cities around the World.
Launched today in Ottawa, the event has drawn partners from a variety of backgrounds, including business, labour, faith, environment, development, First Nations, students and concerned citizens. Diverse in the interests they represent, these participants are united in their call for bold action on climate change and to build a clean, renewable, and just future.
Scientists have recommended that nations should aim to reduce GHGs by 80 to 95 % by 2050. Many jurisdictions have embraced that goal, including Québec and Ontario, which entails that 100% of energy produced and consumed be from renewable sources like wind, solar and hydro. In accordance with that goal, organizers of the March are also recommending that Canada build clean infrastructure and stop investing in fossil fuel infrastructure.
Ottawa and Gatineau residents are being invited to what is being billed as a family friendly event. Others are planning to come by bus from towns and cities as far away as Mississauga, Toronto, Rimouski and Québec City. Marchers will be encouraged to wear green, dress up, make banners, or build renewable energy floats.
The march will begin at 1 p.m. on Sunday, November 29th at Ottawa City Hall and will end on Parliament Hill.
Quotes
“We have the energy, we have the innovation, we have the solutions—and now we have a government that says it’s ready to act. We can solve climate change by 2050. With this march we want to let the world know: Canada is back.”
—Steven Guilbeault, Senator Director, Équiterre
“A 100% clean, renewable economy is 100% possible. The Paris Climate Summit is just one part of a solution that really begins here at home. We’re marching to show Canadians and our government that there is another way.”
—Graham Saul, Executive Director, Ecology Ottawa
“With enough investment, we can fight climate change and ensure a sustainable future for our children and theirs. And we can do it in a way that creates millions of badly needed good, green jobs." —Donald Lafleur, Canadian Labour Congress
“It is the poorest and most vulnerable in communities in the Global South who are on the frontlines of climate change, and who are suffering the most as they face prolonged droughts, sudden floods, and extreme storms. We have a moral obligation to act since Canada is one of the biggest polluters on the planet. We are marching to be in solidarity with all those who are living the impacts of climate change now, and to call on Canada to do its part.”
- David Leduc, Executive Director, Development and Peace
For more information: http://www.100possible.ca/
For media inquiries:
Sarbjit Kaur (English-speaking media)
416-274-5324
Dale Robertson
Équiterre
514 605-2000