Youth paint bold vision for the future: nationwide mural campaign demands swift implementation of Youth Climate Corps
SEPTEMBER 17, 2024, CANADA-WIDE—In a coordinated display of creativity and ambitious optimism, youth across several Canadian communities came together this week to create striking ground murals, with several more cities joining the action. These vibrant artworks vividly depict the potential impact of a national Youth Climate Corps, sending a powerful message to policymakers as they return to Parliament: youth demand the government keep its promise to establish a Youth Climate Corps!
“We are here to paint a glimpse at the future we know we deserve; one we’re ready to build,” said Bushra Asghar, an organizer in Montreal. “The government nodded at the creation of a Youth Climate Corps in the 2024 budget, stating an intention to consult. We want them to hold true to that promise and act now to announce a program that is ready to employ 20,000 youth by the summer of 2025.”
The urgency of the campaign is underscored by the recent and troubling acceleration of the climate crisis. Juan Vargas in Edmonton stated, “This past summer was filled with anxiety and anguish as communities survived heat waves, floods, and fires. There are hundreds of thousands of young people in Canada, myself included, ready to work in jobs to reduce emissions and mitigate extreme weather, rather than surrendering ourselves to a future of despair. We’re on the verge of an election year and we need a strong vision of how we can survive and thrive. A Youth Climate Corps needs to be central in that vision.”
Lea Mary Movelle of the St. John's action also points to international precedent, noting the recent launch of the American Climate Corps by President Biden. Movelle challenges Prime Minister Trudeau to announce an even more ambitious program ahead of the Fall Economic Statement.
“We’re bringing people together to literally paint the vision of a Youth Climate Corps and to send MPs back to Parliament with a clear mandate to deliver what would be a generational program. We know that Prime Minister Trudeau can announce something even bigger and better than the American Climate Corps, and we want him to do it ahead of the upcoming Fall Economic Statement.”
This national day of action comes on the heels of a successful intervention at the Liberal Caucus Retreat in Nanaimo, BC on September 10, where Youth Climate Corps organizers welcomed MPs with coffee, tea, and a request to commit to funding a climate corps at the speed and scale needed. Several key ministers reiterated their support for a Youth Climate Corps, stating they will include it in the federal 2025 budget.
This action took place in communities across the country, including:
Edmonton (17th)
Toronto (17th)
Guelph (17th)
Montreal (17th)
St John’s (20th)
Winnipeg (28th)
Halifax
For up-to-date information on actions and their specific locations, visit the national action page.
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You can find photos and videos of the action in this folder.
Media Contacts:
Bushra Asghar, Montreal: Bushra@climateemergencyunit.ca; 416-315-3298
Juan Vargas, Edmonton: Juan@climateemergencyunit.ca; 403-928-4248
Lea Mary Movelle, St. John’s: lea.m.movelle@gmail.com;
