Here's solid proof that change can happen when voices are raised and elected officials are held to account for their decisions!
Parents from For Our Kids/Parents for the Planet Ottawa-Gatineau joined with Black, Indigenous, environmental and community leaders to challenge the direction Ottawa city council was taking to offset the city's funding shortfall. During the summer, and with no notice or consultation, the council planned to cut funding to crucial services, including taking $2.1 million earmarked for Energy Evolution, the city's energy transition plan. The funds were going to be diverted to cover losses in revenue due to closures during the pandemic, leaving Energy Evolution with a $500,000 budget.
"We were there to ask the city to recommit the $2.1 million for Energy Evolution, as this would not only protect our children but help protect vulnerable populations who are disproportionately affected by health/climate crises" said Marianne Ariganello from the FOK/PFTP Ottawa-Gatineau team. "There is no plan at all to help those populations most affected by COVID, which are also the populations that would be most affected by climate crises."
