Our Children’s Trust is bringing a climate justice case on behalf of 15 youth advocates challenging the Canadian government’s support and promotion of fossil fuel production as unconstitutional under the Canadian Charter of Rights and Freedoms. The case alleges that despite Canada’s knowledge of the harmful climate impacts of fossil fuels, it continues to actively promote fossil fuel production and has missed every climate pollution reduction target it has set for itself. Canada is one of the fastest-warming countries in the world, and the 11.1 million Canadian youth under the age of 25 will spend the coming decades experiencing wildfires, heat waves, violent storms, and other extreme weather events.
The goal of the case is to seek recognition of Canadian children’s fundamental climate rights and to compel Canada to develop a national science-based climate recovery plan. The youth plaintiffs come from several different provinces across Canada, including a number of Indigenous communities in the Arctic. The litigation aims to center and amplify the plaintiffs’ personal stories about the impacts of climate change on their daily lives.
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Our new grantees’ cases demonstrate the important potential of impact litigation as a tool to confront powerful entities and achieve justice, especially during a time when standing up to cruelty and oppression is more important than ever. We look forward to following the progress of these cases in the coming years.
Each quarter, we make grants to support impact litigation in pursuit of economic, environmental, racial, and social justice. To learn more about our grant criteria and upcoming grant application deadlines, check out the “Apply” page of our website or contact us here.
Felecia Phillips Ollie DD (h.c.) is the inspiring leader and founder of The Equality Network LLC (TEN). With a background in coaching, travel, and a career in news, Felecia brings a unique perspective to promoting diversity and inclusion. Holding a Bachelor’s Degree in English/Communications, she is passionate about creating a more inclusive future. From graduating from Mississippi Valley State University to leading initiatives like the Washington State Department of Ecology’s Equal Employment Opportunity Program, Felecia is dedicated to making a positive impact. Join her journey on our blog as she shares insights and leads the charge for equity through The Equality Network.
