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ACTION ALERT - MAY 30, 2023
ACTION ALERT - MAYORAL COMMITMENT ON CLIMATE, AND MORE! 

Dear friends,

The climate is not getting sufficient attention in Toronto’s mayoral campaign, and we need this to change.

Candidates need to hear that we care that they commit to implementing the TransformTO Net Zero by 2040 climate action plan. This plan was adopted in December 2021 by Toronto City Council. We need to do our part to reduce greenhouse gas emissions by 65% by 2030.  How will we get there?

ClimateFast has prepared a climate commitment pledge for candidates to sign, and so far, the leading candidates have not signed it. This doesn’t mean they don’t support it, but they may not know much about the Net Zero plan– and crucially, they are not hearing questions about climate from voters.

The climate crisis intersects with other priority issues including food security, housing, healthcare and transportation; we need to prepare for and adapt to a changing climate, but we should also consider the many added benefits of good climate policy. Our food supply is threatened by droughts, fires and floods; we can protect it by discouraging sprawl and preserving farmland, and instead building affordable, weather-resilient housing in existing neighbourhoods. Extreme weather and air pollution threaten our health; getting fossil gas out of our homes and cars off of our roadways can protect us from these impacts. Greater investment in transit and active transportation infrastructure will alleviate traffic problems while reducing emissions.

Will you let the candidates know you want to hear from them on how to move Toronto forward on climate? Will you ask them to sign the ClimateFast pledge? 

Here’s a possible model  letter based on one sent  by a ClimateFast member:

In considering my vote for Mayor on June 26, I am looking for a commitment to adequate funding for climate action.  My understanding is that scientists agree with each other that we have a serious and urgent problem for sustaining life. Of course I see the news daily of catastrophic events that don't need description - a picture is worth a thousand words.

I understand that our next mayor will face many challenges dealing with housing, transportation, public safety and many other issues. I encourage you to consider solutions to these problems that can make us resilient in a changing climate and reduce emissions while also improving the lives of Torontonians. Many of these solutions are already laid out in the city’s TransformTO Strategy - what we need now is the funding and political will to make them happen.

Can my neighbours and I count on you to  add urgent climate funding and action to your PLAN? This would be wonderful. 

And will you sign the Climate Commitment Pledge?  


Can you send a letter to candidates? Or post a comment on twitter? Or leave a phone message for a candidate?

Here is contact information for the leading candidates including twitter, phone numbers and email addresses - you can send one message with all of the addresses in the bcc line.

Bonus action! If you have another few minutes, please send a short note to CBC’s Metro Morning or Here and Now program producers asking for climate coverage in the mayoral race. Both are having interviews on the mayoral campaign, so why not include one on climate? It’s important to get the media’s attention on this issue, to ensure the broader public is aware of what’s at stake.

Check out these links for more information on the mayoral election:.

Please note: all the mayoral campaigns need volunteers: if you support a candidate let them know and help out if you can. 
JUNE 3RD ‘ENOUGH IS ENOUGH’ RALLIES – ACROSS THE PROVINCE
 

The Ontario Federation of Labour’s “Enough is Enough” June 3rd actions will push back against the Ford government's attacks on workers’ wages, public education, and healthcare, and call for relief during the current affordability crisis. 

This government has abandoned climate action (e.g. by expanding gas-fired electricity), attacked the Greenbelt, and promoted mining development in the “Ring of Fire” without the consent of Indigenous peoples, amongst other policies. Their actions represent a serious threat to present and future generations.

The climate & environmental justice contingents on June 3rd seek to connect the struggles of Indigenous people, climate activists, environmentalists and working people in a common struggle against these policies that threaten the majority, now and in the future. 

In Toronto, ClimateFast will meet at City Hall at 12 noon to march to Queen’s Park together at 12:30. We’ll gather with other climate and environment groups  by the ‘T’ in the Toronto sign - look for the ClimateFast banner. Or join on the NORTH side of Queen’s Park - east side - at 1:15pm to join the demo together.

We hope that people across the province will mobilize with their climate and environmental justice signs (e.g. "Hands Off "Ring of Fire", "Hands Off the Greenbelt", "Stop Bill 97 Farm Land Severance", "Stop Gas Plant Expansion", “Green Jobs Now”, etc) at their local action - see the full list of Ontario-wide actions here. 
TTC RIDERS DAY OF ACTION JUNE 6TH
 

TTC Riders will be canvassing outside of transit stops and stations in the lead-up to the mayoral election, collecting pledges to vote. Their city-wide Day of Action is on June 6, but they also have many other canvasses planned for the coming weeks. Sign up here. Feel free to suggest other potential canvass stops in your neighbourhood.

We know that transit is integral to reducing Toronto's GHG emissions. We cannot effectively tackle the climate crisis if transit is left to flounder. We hope you'll join this campaign!
 

ClimateFast is run solely by volunteers and is funded entirely by donations. Your donation  will be used for mailings, campaign materials, room rentals and transportation.

Donate online or by cheque, made payable to:
ClimateFast
c/o Lyn Adamson
Friends House
60 Lowther Ave.
Toronto, Ontario M5R 1C7

Your support is greatly appreciated!

ClimateFast

ON
Canada