Thousands march for jobs, justice and the climate

Days after more than 10,000 people marched through Toronto, in part, to mark a need for action on climate, Ontario and 21 other states and regions signed the first-ever Pan-American action statement on climate change. The Climate Action Statement highlights the urgency of combatting climate change, affirms that state, provincial and municipal governments are leaders in achieving impactful global climate action, and acknowledges the need to work together to continue reducing greenhouse gas pollution. On July 5, on the eve of the Pan American Climate and Economic Summits, marchers called on the country’s leaders to embrace an economic agenda that prioritized jobs, justice, and the climate. Four different contingents in the march— First Nations, students, workers from national labour unions, and migrants— visually depicted what Canada’s new economy should look like. “I am coming to Toronto to stand with First Nations, workers, and the powerful movement building solutions to the climate crisis. Indigenous people have been defending the land for centuries. They are on the front lines of climate change and fossil fuel extraction, but they’re also showing us that real solutions are within our grasp if we have the courage to reach for them,” said Jane Fonda, one of many celebrities to join the cause. “When the workers in the oil and gas industry themselves are calling on their government to help them find cleaner jobs that don’t burn the planet, you know we’re ready for change.”