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.  

Parents from FOK Toronto support the seven youth at Ontario's Court of Appeal, challenging the Ontario government's weakened emissions reduction targets. At left is Counsel Meaghan Daniel, representing FOK Toronto as intervenors at the hearing.

As Brianne Whyte, mother, teacher and organizer with For Our Kids Toronto explains: “parents want to join this lawsuit because the science is clear – the world must act immediately to prevent further dangerous warming and every jurisdiction, including Ontario, must play its part. Young people will experience disproportionate physical, social and psychological harms from the climate crisis, and the Ontario government has a legal responsibility to protect our kids; both their Charter rights and their lives”. 

In 2018, the Ontario government replaced relatively strong targets with a single, significantly weaker 2030 target that would allow dangerous levels of emissions to continue over the next decade. In response, seven courageous young people - Sophia, Zoe, Shaelyn, Alex, Shelby, Madi, and Beze - began a legal challenge of the Ontario government’s decision. 

“The parents of the For Our Kids network will not let children and young people face the climate crisis alone. Our intervention in this case is one of the important ways parents are getting involved in this crucial moment in history'' says Natalie Caine, program coordinator with For Our Kids. 

 

For more information or to arrange an interview, please contact:

Brianne Whyte -  For Our Kids Toronto

Email: [email protected]

Website: https://www.forourkids.ca/toronto

 

Natalie Caine - For Our Kids 

Email: [email protected]

Website: www.forourkids.ca

 

For legal inquiries on the motion to leave to intervene:

Meaghan Daniel - Barrister & Solicitor

www.meaghandaniel.com

A PDF version of this press release is available to download here

More information about this case

Background on the filing of Mathur et. al.

Case summary

 

About For Our Kids

For Our Kids is a parent-led network of volunteers, driven to take climate action for our kids, grandkids, and future generations. 

Founded and led by parents, For Our Kids teams and members across Canada collectively advocate for local, regional and national action on the climate emergency.  The network  welcomes all parents and families with a passion for creating a better world and a belief that climate action is one of the most important things we can do for our kids.  

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“It’s also a great opportunity for empowering the kids, and we can advocate for their future together,” [For Our Kids Burnaby member Kate] McMahon said. “I think being able to stand up there, use their own voices in a safe place, and seeing the adults around them advocating for their future...and teaching them how to use their own voices. I think this is a good way to counter anxiety, which is caused not only by worry about what the future holds but by seeing the inaction of their leaders as well.”

Read Lubna El Elaimy's full article in the Burnaby Observer here.