Tag: #climateaction

Climate groups in Parry Sound Muskoka sit down face to face with MPP Graydon Smith

Len Ring

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: 

Jan. 26, 2023 – PARRY SOUND MUSKOKA – Climate groups in Parry Sound-Muskoka had an opportunity to sit down face-to-face with MPP Graydon Smith, Minister of Natural Resources and Forestry, on Jan. 19 following an unsuccessful attempt to do so in December. The meeting was cordial and covered a wide range of issues related to Bill 23 and its climate implications. 

The four representatives from Climate Action Muskoka (CAM), Almaguin Climate Action (ACA), and Climate Action Parry Sound (CAPS) reminded the Minister, that they represent constituents from all over the riding. They raised concerns about Bill 23’s impact on delivery of municipal Climate Action Plans; the importance of “protecting what protects us” through preservation of wetland systems, forest ecosystems, natural infrastructure; and the importance of shoreline site control protections to the future of our lakes and our drinking water. 

They spoke about food security and the Greenbelt “offset”; the inadequacy of the “80% of market value” equation to determine “affordability”; and the appalling climate and economic choice of expanding gas plants and infrastructure in the riding and across Ontario. 

The group also left Smith with a list of questions to which they have requested answers; and a list of solutions which will address the housing crisis and the climate crisis together, without reverting to urban and rural sprawl and highways.  

Smith heard the group out and said he would take the concerns back to Queen’s Park for discussion by the Caucus and suggested a future meeting with the climate groups. 

Read full meeting notes and written submission provided to the Minister.

BILL 23 MUST GO.

CAM

MUSKOKA/ALMAGUIN: Climate Action Muskoka (CAM) and Almaguin Climate Action (ACA) have a message for Parry Sound Muskoka MPP Graydon Smith, Minister of Natural Resources and Forestry: BILL 23 MUST GO. The ‘More Homes Built Faster Act’ harms wetlands, harms forests and farmlands, harms affordable housing, harms local government and harms democracy.  

“We expect our elected MPP to protect our communities’ interests and to protect Ontario’s natural resources and forests,” says CAM spokesperson, Tamsen Tillson. “We are calling on him to do the right thing and fight like hell to get the bill rescinded.” 

CAM and ACA are bringing a collective message to MPP Smith next Friday, December 9 in a Travelling Climate Rally from parts north and south in the riding. Bill 23 must be repealed to protect the biosphere, to allow municipalities to take climate action, and to ensure that citizens have a say in the future of their communities. 

“Bill 23 represents a massive assault by the Ontario government on biosphere protections, Indigenous and Treaty rights, municipalities, public consultation rights, climate decision-making, and downloads private developers’ costs onto municipal taxpayers,” Sue McKenzie of CAM says. “We invite all concerned citizens and municipal representatives to join this event.” 

You can join all or part of the Travelling Climate Rally as we come together from Sundridge (Post Office 9:30am), Burk’s Falls (Post Office 10:15am), Huntsville (Town Hall 11:15am), continuing on to Bracebridge (Memorial Park 12:20pm), and finally walk to Smith’s Bracebridge constituency office (230 Manitoba Street). If you are coming from South Muskoka, meet at Gull Lake Park in Gravenhurst at 11:45pm to travel to Bracebridge to join the northern group there. Bring a sign and your personal written letter to our MPP. 

Members of the group will hand deliver our personal letters to Smith. Everyone is welcome to join the Rally at any point along the route.  If you cannot join the event, email your letter or give your letter to someone who can attend. 

The event is organized by Climate Action Muskoka (CAM) and Almaguin Climate Action (ACA) The two groups have requested a joint meeting with MPP Smith. #RepealBill23 For more information: climateactionmuskoka@gmail.com 

Climate Action Muskoka Raises The Alarm About Bill 23

CAM

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

Omnibus bill guts environmental protections province-wide

Muskoka, November 15, 2022 — Climate Action Muskoka has joined dozens of groups and municipalities across the province in raising the alarm about Ontario Bill 23, aka “More Homes Built Faster Act.” In an open letter to Muskoka’s Towns, Townships and District government and staff, CAM urges the municipal government and citizens across Muskoka to raise our collective voice in opposition.

The provincial government claims that Bill 23 was designed to address the housing crisis. But what Bill 23 actually does is open the door for developers to pave over wetlands, farmlands, forests and waterways that were previously protected.

It takes away the power of municipal governments—including those in Muskoka—to make planning decisions, reduces their autonomy and tax base, and silences conservation authorities and other environmental protection groups.

This bill exacerbates sprawl, undermines affordability, and ends the use of municipal green building standards. It is most harmful to those municipalities already on a green path. The only winners here are the builders of new subdivisions.

Bill 23 is an appalling abuse of power. CAM urges everyone in Muskoka to raise our collective voice in opposition. What you can do:

Climate Action Muskoka is an inclusive, non-partisan Muskoka-based group formed in 2019 whose mission is to collaborate with individuals, businesses, groups and all levels of government to mitigate and adapt to the climate crisis. Find us at www.climateactionmuskoka.org, on Facebook and Instagram @climateactionmuskoka.

Climate Action Muskoka among 150+ group coalition launching Ontario Climate Emergency Campaign

Len Ring
Climate Emergency Campaign

A coalition of more than 150 groups from across Ontario — including Climate Action Muskoka — have launched the ‘Ontario Climate Emergency Campaign,’ and is calling on candidates in the upcoming provincial election to treat climate change as an emergency. 

Read article from Global News | Group sign-on

Climate Emergency Campaign

“Posing as Canadian: How Big Foreign Oil Captures Canadian Energy and Climate Policy”

CAM

Muskoka – Please join political economist and Gravenhurst resident Gordon Laxer in a webinar on his new report exposing the disturbing power and influence of multi-national foreign oil corporations on Canadian climate and energy policy, Thursday, January 27, 2022 at 7:30 pm.

Published by the Council of Canadians and the Canadian Centre for Policy Alternatives, “Posing as Canadian: How Big Foreign Oil Captures Canadian Energy and Climate Policy” reveals how foreign fossil fuel interests influence Canadian governments.

“People may be surprised and intrigued to learn that all major oil corporations operating in Canada are fully or majority foreign-owned,” says Laxer. “Yet they wave the maple leaf flag, meddle in Canadian politics and perpetually lobby the federal and Alberta governments. In a healthy democracy, the voters, not foreign-influenced corporations, shape the policies enacted in their name.”

The event is jointly hosted by Climate Action Muskoka (CAM), Environment Haliburton! (EH!) and Seniors for Climate Action Now! (SCAN!).

RECORDING NOW AVAIABLE

The report found that foreign-owned corporations fund about 97 per cent of the revenue of the Canadian Association of Petroleum Producers (CAPP) – the apex oil and gas lobby group in Canada. A 2018 law bans foreign entities from meddling in Canadian elections. But, if corporations list their headquarters in Canada, they can register as third-party advertisers for elections. Executives of foreign-owned oil corporations have made sizeable contributions to political parties and politicians who favour their agenda. The report recommends closing the loophole.

“Climate impacts now occur across Canada. Oil and gas production is the largest source of carbon pollution here, but still governments drag their feet on policies to transition off fossil fuels. Now we know why,” says CAM co-founder, Sue McKenzie. “Canadians want to be listened to and want a ‘made in Canada’ climate policy, not one influenced by foreign fossil fuel interests.”

Gordon Laxer is a political economist, professor emeritus at the University of Alberta, and the founding Director of Parkland Institute. He is the author of two award-winning books (After the Sands: Energy and Ecological Security for Canadians, and Open for Business: The Roots of Foreign Ownership in Canada) and the editor of several others. He has published over 40 journal articles, refereed book chapters, and research reports. His op-eds have been published widely in Canadian outlets and he has also been a regular guest on current affairs radio and television programs. 

Find the Report and more here: www.gordonlaxer.com

COP 26 and Net Zero’s Dangerous Distractions 

CAM

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

Climate Action Muskoka (CAM) is co-sponsoring a vital and timely pre-COP26 (Conference of the Parties) webinar with Environment Haliburton!(EH!) and Seniors for Climate Action Now! (SCAN!) titled COP 26 and Net Zero’s Dangerous Distractions this Thursday, October 28 at 7:30pm ET. All are welcome to attend.


Marc Lee, prominent senior economist with the Canadian Centre for Policy Alternatives (CCPA), will discuss what the concept of “Net Zero” is and why it is a dangerous mitigation plan to address the climate crisis. The SCAN! Education Committee will explain why the success of COP26 is critical for the future. 

Lee joined the CCPA in 1998 and is one of Canada’s leading progressive commentators on economic and social policy issues. He led the CCPA’s Climate Justice Project (CJP) which published a wide range of research on fair and effective approaches to climate action through integrating principles of social justice.

The CCPA is an independent, non-partisan research institute concerned with issues of social, economic and environmental justice. Founded in 1980, it is one of Canada’s leading progressive voices in public policy debates. 

The CCPA produces the research and analysis necessary for policymakers, activists, and everyday Canadians to make informed decisions and press for social change.

Register for the webinar here: https://us02web.zoom.us/meeting/register/tZIvcuGuqD4vHtHpYkfOh0WNXUD3hmEejUIH?fbclid=IwAR0gELUJPxXDU7deMV4we7F6QdmL0hzAkx_27PdLDkXBmqxLlurCVAPSX5Y  

or on the EH! website: https://www.environmenthaliburton.org/

Vote Climate Canada is Still on Fire

CAM

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

Muskoka – Climate Action Muskoka (CAM) and Climate Action Parry Sound (CAPS) are calling on all federal parties and all federal candidates to deliver real action on the Climate Crisis by supporting a moratorium on fossil fuel expansion, including a freeze on fossil fuel projects currently under construction, and Just Transition legislation that leaves no one behind.

“Our planet is on the ballet this year. Everyone needs to raise their voice loud enough so that the federal parties listen,” says CAM’s Sue McKenzie, commenting that the group wants to give citizens an opportunity to do so in their own communities of Gravenhurst, Bracebridge, Huntsville and Parry Sound on September 8.

Parry Sound Muskoka riding towns will join 50+ communities across Canada holding Vote Climate – Canada is STILL on Fire climate marches Wednesday, September 8,the day of the French All-Candidates Debate and the day before the English Debate.

“This is the climate election,” McKenzie said. “If we wait four more years, climate tipping points will have been reached and can never be turned back.”

The Muskoka Events will run from 11:15am to 12:30pm (11:00 to 12:30 in Parry Sound) in the following locations:

Gravenhurst – meet at the Gazebo at Muskoka Wharf, near the Lion’s Pavilion on Bay St.

Bracebridge – Memorial Park beside the Norwood Theatre on Manitoba St.

Huntsville – corner of Main and John at the swing bridge

Parry Sound – Mary St Centre lawn at 11:00am

These are NON-PARTISAN events. We ask that everyone adhere to masking and social distancing health guidelines. Check our website the morning of the event for any changes: https://www.climateactionmuskoka.org/

Please RSVP to climateactionmuskoka@gmail.com to let us know which event site you will attend – or just show up on the day!

Here are a few sign ideas – or write a message on your mask. (We will have a few extra signs.)

  • VOTE CLIMATE
  • End fossil fuel expansion
  • Just Transition now
  • Put out the fires
  • I’m voting for a just transition
  • Vote to end fossil fuel expansion
  • Canada is STILL on Fire
  • Climate Emergency! Act Like It! 
  • YOUR OWN MESSAGE…

Climate Action Muskoka

RTO-ERO and CAM Taking Action In a Climate Crisis

CAM
RTO-ERO and CAM

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE 

Muskoka – An exciting new initiative to take action on the Climate Crisis in Muskoka was launched Friday at the weekly Climate Strike in Memorial Park, Bracebridge. The Muskoka Chapter of the Retired Teachers of Ontario (RTO/ERO) is supporting Climate Action Muskoka (CAM) with a financial donation to be used to promote the CAM 50% by 2030 Community Carbon Challenge. 

The Challenge calls on all Muskoka households, businesses and groups to assume the same greenhouse gas (GHG) reduction goal – 50% by 2030 – as the District of Muskoka and the area municipalities. Sign up to take the challenge at climateactionmuskoka.org. 

RTO-ERO’s goal is to significantly increase the number of households in Muskoka who pledge to take action to make a difference in sustaining the Muskoka environment. They also want to promote the use of the Carbon Calculator on the CAM website and encourage changes in behavior by individuals and households.  

RTO-ERO is looking at three different steps to achieve its goal and, to that end, has printed bookmarks to invite participation by both permanent and seasonal residents and to provide lots of simple ideas for GHG reductions. The group will be: 

  • providing posters and bookmarks to Muskoka businesses that are frequented by seasonal residents to provide information on the Community Carbon Challenge and how to access it. Watch for posters and bookmarks coming soon to local businesses and bulletin boards across Muskoka! 
  • providing bookmarks to all municipalities in Muskoka. 
  • distributing bookmarks to all junior level classrooms in Muskoka, along with some curriculum ideas for teachers, to encourage students and their parents to take up the Community Carbon Challenge.  

The Retired Teachers of Ontario, District 46, Muskoka (RTOERO) endorsed the efforts of CAM almost a year and a half ago and can now report that the District of Muskoka, the Township of Lake of Bays, and the Town Councils of Bracebridge, Gravenhurst, and Huntsville have joined the Township of Georgian Bay in declaring a climate emergency.  

For more information contact Joanne Garvey at president46@districts.rtoero.ca or CAM at climateactionmuskoka@gmail.com 

Kudos to Huntsville Town Council for Passing a Climate Emergency Resolution

CAM
Huntsville passes Climate Emeregency Resolution

Huntsville becomes the third Muskoka municipality to declare a strong Climate Emergency resolution, joining the Township of Georgian Bay and the Town of Gravenhurst. The resolution which was passed was rewritten by the Muskoka CAOs from the original CAM resolution. It includes the language and the strong targets in the original resolution. However, the community engagement component was missing but was added back in with an amendment by Mayor Terziano. This will ensure that Huntsville voices and Huntsville-specific actions are included in the Community Action Plan to be developed.

Read more: Town of Huntsville declares a climate emergency, aims to reduce greenhouse gas emissions to zero by 2050 From Huntsville Doppler. 

Natural Gas Subsidies In Muskoka

CAM

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

June 18, 2021

MUSKOKA – On June 13, 2021 Climate Action Muskoka (CAM) sent an open letter to MPP Miller and Premier Ford to raise awareness of a misguided Ontario policy – the expansion of new gas lines. The goal of affordable home heating is a good one. However, adding more greenhouse gases (GHGs) to the atmosphere is not the way to go. Muskoka must reduce GHG emissions 50% by 2030 and reach net zero emissions by 2050.

CAM advocates practical, workable solutions. We suggested four obvious ways to eliminate the need for natural gas heating: 1) super-insulated buildings require far less energy to heat; 2) advancements in heat pump technology make them the most energy efficient form of heating available (and they function well to -20C); 3) solar panels can help reduce the need for grid electricity; and 4) cash rebates can offset electrical energy costs. CAM also opposes the use of natural gas to generate electricity.

Our letter cited the government subsidies for Burk’s Falls and Hidden Valley. The cost: $3.1M for 144 buildings ($21,500 per unit!). We did not include the cost of the full Natural Gas Expansion Program (NGEP). In 2018 the Ford government put aside $234M to fund new gas distribution to 8,750 buildings ($26,000 per unit!).

It is provincial tax contributions that are funding the installation of natural gas lines by private companies. However, residents will be required to purchase natural gas furnaces themselves, committing them to the use of GHG-emitting fossil fuels for the next decade.

CAM believes that the NGEP is a misguided use of our Provincial resources. The policy does not reduce heating costs for the majority of Ontarians, and causes significant harm to our environment.

The Ford government is not responding to the urgency of the climate crisis and taking appropriate steps to address it. In fact, the government has already spent $231M to cancel over 750 renewable energy projects. As well, they have proposed legislation (within Bill 276) to repeal the existing requirement to give priority consideration to renewable energy production.

CAM calls on the provincial government to:

1.  Halt and reverse the expansion of natural gas distribution.

2.  Phase out gas-fired power plants by 2030.

3.  Spend the previously allocated funds on energy solutions that reduce GHGs.

4.  Distribute the benefits of the spending more equitably.

Oliver Klimek

On behalf of Climate Action Muskoka