In late September, more than twenty Parliamentarians gathered in the Senate Chamber to hear the recommendations of the Canadian Youth Climate Assembly (CYCA) - the first national citizens’ assembly on climate change in Canada, and the first anywhere in the world designed specifically for young adults aged 18–25.
The report of the Canadian Youth Climate Assembly includes 23 recommendations in direct response to the central question ‘What do young Canadians want Parliament to do to meet Canada’s climate commitments in a way that reflects their values and priorities?’
The assembly’s recommendations call upon Parliament to prepare communities for escalating climate risks, to accelerate the transition to renewable energy, and to strengthen climate accountability.
Among their key recommendations, members urge Parliament to:
· Phase out fossil fuel subsidies, linking any remaining support to strict emissions targets.
· Invest in resilient, interprovincial/interterritorial clean electricity infrastructure to strengthen national energy cooperation.
· Work across party lines to accelerate the transition to clean energy and meet Canada’s 2030 and 2050 targets.
· Embed youth perspectives meaningfully and continuously in climate decision-making.
· Respect Indigenous sovereignty by ensuring Indigenous nations have leadership and ownership in land stewardship and the clean energy transition.
Importantly, members emphasise that this generation is not only prepared to demand solutions, but they are ready to be part of them.
The Assembly was convened in partnership with Senators for Climate Solutions, co-chaired by Senators Mary Coyle and Jim Quinn, and developed by Environmental Leadership Canada and MASS LBP. Read the report and learn more about the assembly.
