Publishing opinion pieces and speaking with journalists is one way For Our Kids parents spread the word on climate action. Check out some these articles we've written or been featured in local and national media. If you are interested in writing an op-ed or talking to journalists, then please connect with us for training resources and support in getting your story out there.

We banned tobacco ads; why not those for fossil fuels?

Such a move would send a clear message that we are seeking a new normal for the sake of the planet’s health and for our kids.

This month, NDP MP Charlie Angus introduced Bill C-372, “An Act respecting fossil fuel advertising” in the House of Commons. This was modelled on the act targeting tobacco advertisements. Reaction was swift and extreme with overblown claims that ordinary citizens would be jailed for sharing positive opinions about oil and gas. Hopefully, common sense will prevail.

 

 

Ending deceptive oil and gas ads is a critical step for a livable future

While it’s hard to talk about given our economy’s reliance on fossil fuels, we know what’s causing these wildfires and hazy skies. For too long, the oil and gas industry has known about the devastating effects that their emissions would have on the planet and they’ve spent decades working to hide the damage their industry causes from the rest of us. 

Read Claire and Miranda's full piece in The Edmonton Journal here. 

Climate activist parents join court case against Ontario

Parent-led climate action group For Our Kids went to the Ontario Court of Appeal Monday to support youth suing the province over alleged climate inaction.

The lawsuit claims Ontario's plan to curb greenhouse gas emissions is in contravention with Canada’s Paris Agreement commitments to limit global warming to 1.5 degrees Celsius — which Ontario pledged to uphold — and constitutes a breach of the Charter rights of the province’s youth, who will suffer the most from climate change.

"Parents will do anything to protect their children," said Whyte. "We'll always show up in that fight."

Parents intervene in Ontario appeal court, in landmark climate lawsuit led by youth

Toronto/Traditional territories of several First Nations including the Williams Treaties First Nations, Huron-Wendat, the Anishnaabeg, Haudenosaunee, Chippewas, and the Mississaugas of the Credit First Nation - January 15, 2023

For Our Kids will appear as intervenors today in Ontario’s appeal court as part of their leave to intervene in the youth-led climate lawsuit Mathur et. al. v. His Majesty in Right of Ontario. The network of parents and families agree that the Ontario government’s weakened provincial climate targets violate Charter-protected rights to life, liberty, and security of the person.  

Data Shows Women Support Good Climate Policy, Rapid Transition off Fossil Fuels

Headlines claiming that women support Canadian oil and gas production as key to the affordability crisis are off the mark, according to Kate McMahon, climate communications specialist, mom, and co-leader of a local For Our Kids team. Kate breaks down the arguments in the often-cited survey by Canada Powered by Women in her Dec. 12 article published in The Energy Mix.

"The survey findings are at odds with several other national polls showing that women are connecting the dots, not only between climate change and fossil fuel emissions, but between good climate policy and affordability: women want a rapid transition off fossil fuels for a stronger economy and a liveable future for their children."

Read Kate's full article in The Energy Mix

Canada has a new emissions cap; now it is time for action.

"The best thing about the framework announced last week by the federal government to cap emissions from the oil and gas industry is that it finally exists. Everything else about it needs work. The target of 35 to 38 per cent below 2019 levels is less than what was promised. It’s short on details and seems to leave huge loopholes for the industry to avoid actually lowering emissions. "

 

Why financial policy could be a real winner for our carbon targets

In the early morning of Nov. 1, I bundled up my kids and we braved the cold to gather with a group of parents, grandparents and youth in downtown Ottawa. We were there to hold signs, sing chants and greet elected officials as they arrived at the Sustainable Finance Forum with a simple ask: Regulate Canadian banks and pensions now to help protect our climate and our kids’ future.

 

Thousands in Toronto take to the streets for climate

Thousand of climate activists took to the streets of Toronto today, united in their call to end fossil fuels as the Earth's temperature rises and a new report warns of a significant increase in extreme weather across Ontario in the coming decades.

The protesters, largely led by youth, marched in downtown Toronto, brandishing signs and banners with slogans like "The Fight to End Fossil Fuels is Here", "Canada is burning. Stop fossil fuel and save our Greenbelt." They demanded immediate action from governments and corporations to combat climate change.