Honourable senators, today, as we mourn the passing of Jane Goodall, the renowned scientist who cared deeply about our planet and who believed in the power of young people, I want to speak about a youth effort that is good for the health of our planet, our country and our democracy.

On September 21, twenty of our Senate colleagues, hosted by Speaker Gagné, were joined by members of Parliament and other invited guests to hear the findings of the Canadian Youth Climate Assembly, the first national citizens’ assembly on climate change in Canada and the first anywhere in the world designed specifically for young adults 18 to 25 years of age.

A sincere thanks to all our colleagues who were there and to the many of you whom I know wanted to be.

Over the course of three online sessions this summer and five days in Ottawa, 33 young Canadians, selected through a civic lottery, deliberated on how Canada can meet its climate commitments in ways that reflect the values and priorities of their generation.

The young people began their thoughtful bilingual presentation.

They said:

We are coming to you from the most rugged wilderness of the Northwest Territories, the soaring mountains of the West, the golden fields of the prairies, the rushing rivers of Quebec and the endless windy shores of the Atlantic provinces.

We have our differences but we all agree on the severity and urgency of the climate crisis.

We have experienced first-hand the effects of climate change impacting our childhoods, our education and our careers and we know that not enough is being done.

That is why over 700 young Canadians applied to be there at that time. As they continued they said: “Our small sacrifice of our time and effort is because we are committed to seeing change.”

Their thoughtful recommendations include, among others: wanting parliamentarians to work across party lines on meeting climate commitments; building youth voice and perspectives into decision making; having coordinated approaches to emergency preparedness across all levels of government including Indigenous governments; phasing out public subsidies to the oil and gas sector with remaining support tied to clear emissions targets; accelerating the transition to clean electricity across the country; strengthening interprovincial and territorial grids; investing in proven technologies; respecting Indigenous sovereignty and leadership; and expanding mental health supports for Canadians experiencing climate-related stress and trauma.

Honourable colleagues, as Jane Goodall said, young people are more connected, informed and equipped to protect our planet than any previous generation.

Senators for Climate Solutions looks forward to working with you and our counterparts in the other place, to respond to the meaningful work of the Canadian Youth Climate Assembly.

Wela’lioq, thank you.