Honourable senators, according to the seventh generation principle based on ancient Haudenosaunee philosophy, the decisions we make today should result in a sustainable world seven generations into the future.

As senators, we all have a special responsibility to represent the interests of groups of Canadians that might not otherwise be heard but which are important to consider. Canadian youth is one such group. I rise today to tell you about an exciting opportunity that brings us in direct contact with young Canadians and which is focused on a sustainable future.

This summer and fall, the Canadian Youth Climate Assembly will convene a representative group of thirty-six 18-25-year-olds from across Canada to learn from experts and each other, and present a set of informed recommendations regarding their climate action priorities to senators and members of Parliament.

The youth will come together to answer the following 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 in-person part of the assembly will take place in Ottawa from September 17 to 21, with the youth presenting their recommendations in this Senate Chamber on the morning of September 21.

With a new government in place, transformative opportunities for our economy, the devastating impacts of climate change accelerating, COP 30 taking place in Brazil in November and key decisions ahead, this is a crucial moment to bring the voices of young Canadians to parliamentarians.

This first-ever citizens’ assembly on climate in Canada is a collaboration of Environmental Leadership Canada, Mass LBP and our Senators for Climate Solutions group. The House All‑Party Climate Caucus is on board, and we’re supported by the Knowledge Network on Climate Assemblies based at the University of Westminster.

We wholeheartedly welcome your involvement in the Canadian Youth Climate Assembly. We hope you will promote the assembly through your social media channels and other networks and help recruit youth in your region. The website is climacan25.ca.

Please mark your calendars and join us in the Senate Chamber on September 21 where the Canadian Youth Climate Assembly members will share their recommendations with parliamentarians.

Finally, please help us think through the ways we can maximize the impact of the youths’ recommendations in the Senate.

Honourable senators, I hope to see you on September 21 to hear what young Canadians recommend to us as parliamentarians, how Canada can meet its climate commitments and how we can secure a prosperous and sustainable world for the next seven generations.

I wish you all a wonderful summer with all generations of your families.

Thank you, wela’lioq.