The Colonial Urge to Commodify the Climate Crisis: Unpacking False Solutions
Edmonton Critical Mass Ride
I will be posting some items that are for information purposes only. These are in case anyone reading this would like to show up as a counter-protest to the actions, learn about how groups like Take Back Alberta are mobilizing, etc. They are better organized in many cases. I have highlighted these items with a gray background as exampled by this paragraph. This articile in the National Observer shows some of their tactics. This is not only about climate change and 15-minute cities but many of our social tenants are being pushed to align more to the far-right ideology complete with the religious overtones. Check out this video by Take Back Alberta lead spokesperson David Parke to hear what they envision for Alberta.
I have put up several pages of information to help people get involved in the activist scene in Edmonton. Check out the menu above to see a current list of resources and information (it is a work in progress). The idea of the Activist Agenda is to be a central hub of information to help people access that information so that they can become involved. It is focused on activism and community in Edmonton and area.
Issues presently posted on this website. Easy access to groups and information to get involved – getting active (with more to come):
Chris Packham will likely be taking over David Attenborough’s throne in the UK. I you hae not seen it, a few weeks ago he hosted a TV program on Channel 4 in the UK called Chris Packham: Is It Time to Break the Law? Here is a link if you would like to see it https://youtu.be/YdMvdxz_Ngo?feature=shared
October 1st, Sunday – Kidical Mass Edmonton: “Join us for a ride from Aspen Gardens to Greenfield Playground. This is an opportunity for kids and their grown-ups to ride their bikes (or scooters) together, on city streets. What to expect:
We will meet at 3:00pm and the ride will start at 3:30pm
The ride will be led and marshalled by community volunteers
Snacks and drinks will be provided at the end of the ride
If we need to cancel due to weather conditions or poor air quality we will post a notice on this website by 2:00pm on the day of the ride
Time: 3 pm Location: Starting at Aspen Gardens (See website for map of route details) Website: Let’s Bike There YEG
October 1st – 31st – Socktober: “Our goal it so collect 2000 pairs of socks to help make this a warmer fall for our neighbours in need. We will be adding drop off locations as we organize. If you are interested in having a box on your doorstep, building, place of work or community, please let us know!” Location: TBA Event page: Facebook Organizer: Overdose Awareness Edmonton
October 1st – 31st – Drawdown Ecochallenge: “This October 1-31st, we’re partnering with Project Drawdown for our *new* Drawdown Ecochallenge! Join us as we connect Project Drawdown’s Solutions with our Actions to work towards reversing climate change, together. Register as a Team Captain TODAY and stay tuned for more exciting announcements about our partnership!” Though this campaign focuses on the individual ‘carbon footprint’ aspect I think it is worthwhile for people to understand where we as, individuals, can reduce our personal impact but be aware that the changes that really need to happen at the government and corporate level.
October 2nd, Monday – International Day of Non-Violence: I have been involved in many groups and ALL of them have been based on non-violence principles. I like that.
October 2nd, Monday – “Protect Our Kids” a Presentation by James Lindsey: This is a Take Back Alberta event. I am putting it here because the Religious and Ultra-Conservatives are effectively mobilizing and bringing in speakers and ideologies from the USA. I do not think this is healthy for our society, planet, and definitely not for our children. This is a Tweet the presenter made: “I’m going to Canada in about a month to try to help free the people from their Communist country!” This event is put here in case anyone wants to post a counter protest or some other action. NOTE: United for Change wrote this on the weekend: “We will not be doing a counter protest for their October 2nd event. As there is no organizational precense, we are advising folks to not counter protest as there is a large safety concern for our communities. These groups and individuals have been known to be physically violent, and actively seeks to harm our 2SLGBTQIA+ and minority communities.” Time: 7:00 pm Location: Life Church, 4461 – 50th Street It looks like the venue has been changed for this. See the photo below – Maharaja Hall 9257 – 34a Avenue
More info: Eventbrite – this link no longer works because Eventbrite found it “hateful” or “dangerous” – see the Tweet below from Daivd Parker. Please note that True North that he is quoting is where his wife works. Good going Eventbrite. They were probably responding to complaints by local activists that found this event distasteful. This is how activism works.
October 4th, Wednesday – Banking Campaign Meet-Up!: “Frustrated by banks investing in fossil fuels? Join us for a 1 hour meet-up to talk about some of the upcoming actions and events we’re organizing as part of the Banking For Our Kids campaign!” [One of the things I switched to Servus credit union back in the 90s was that I thought they did not invest in fossil fuels. I was wrong and I am working on ways to encourage them to shift away from that kind of investent.] Time: 5 pm (MT) Register: For Our Kids
October 6th, Friday – Weekly Climate Strike: A weekly reminder to Edmontonians that we are in a Climate Emergency. We are restarting the weekly morning climate strikes. Extra signs will be available for people to use – or bring your own. Time: 8 am to 9 am Location: 109thstreet and 88th Avenue Facebook: Edmonton Climate Strike
October 7th, Saturday – Plant-Based Treaty and Tofurky Giveaway: “Join us in celebrating a Thanks Giving without any suffering attached to it. We invite you to not only talk about the ways in which people can make a difference with their food choices, but also to receive a free Tofurky! We never really know how the day will unfold, however, there could be music….. There could be some fun while giving out free food.” Time: 11 am to 2 pm Location: Old Strathcona Farmer’s Market More information: Facebook event page
October 7th, Saturday– Horsehit: Jann Arden (the singer/songwriter) is involved in an organization called Horseshit. She is calling for people to make some social media noise highlighting live horse exports on this day. Time: all day Location: Wherever you are Website: Horseshit Hashtags: #SayNeigh #horseshit
October 10th, Tuesday – The Intersections of Black and Indigenous Liberation: “Research for the Front Lines, SHIFT Centre for Transformation, The Climate Justice Organizing Hub, University of Ottawa’s Laboratory for Engaged Research, and Concordia’s Social Justice Centre present: The Intersections of Black and Indigenous Liberation. This will be a conversation between Kanahus Freedom Manuel and Sam Leguizamon Grant, sharing insight, analysis and calls to action.” Time: see event page and Zoom to figure that out but I think it will be 2 pm in Edmonton Location: Virtual (unless you are in Montreal and attend in person) Event Page: Zoom Registration: Zoom
October 10th, Tuesday– Climate Cafe: CAUA’s (Climate Action Coalition at the University of Alberta) first climate cafe. Join others that are concerned about the climate in a relaxed social setting. Give yourself the gift of solidarity. This reminds of of what Climate Nights was doing in Edmonton. Time: 5pm to 8 pm Location: Mood Cafe, 7601 115 Street Facebook: Climate Action Coalition at the University of Alberta
October 10th, Tuesday– The Klabona Keepers: Screening & Discussion: “Join us for the Alberta premiere of award-winning documentary film, The Klabona Keepers. The film screening will be followed by a panel discussion with Tahltan elders. The Klabona Keepers is an intimate portrait of the inspiring Indigenous families that succeeded in protecting the Sacred Headwaters, known as the Klabona, northwest British Columbia, from industrial activities. Spanning 15 years of matriarch-led resistance, the film follows a small group of determined elders in the village of Iskut as they heal from colonial wounds to push back against law enforcement, the government, and some of the world’s largest multinational companies. Nestled between scenes of stand-offs and blockades, land defenders reflect on how their history of forced displacement, residential schools, and trauma strengthened their resolve to protect the very land that was so essential to their healing journey.” Time: 6:30 pm – 8:30 pm Location: Muttart Theatre (basement level), Stanley A. Milner Library, 7 Sir Winston Churchill Square Centennial Plaza More information: Edmonton Public Library Registration: Edmonton Public Library
October 11th, Wednesday – Virtual Shifter Screening & Discussion: “On August 25th and 26th, 2023, Tom Babin, host of the hit YouTube channel Shifter, interviewed numerous Edmontonians about active transportation and our vision for safe streets for everyone. On October 11th at 7:00PM his film will premiere on YouTube and we encourage you to watch, like, and share it with your friends and neighbours to help build on the political momentum around active transportation. At 7:30PM, Tom will be available for a zoom discussion at 7:30 alongside other active transportation advocates from the YEG Bike Coalition where we can talk about upcoming events and opportunities to keep up the momentum.” Time: 7:00pm – 9:00pm MDT Location: Virtual – Zoom Registration: Michael Janz
October 11th, Wednesday – Rink Conversations: Edmonton Federation of Community Leagues (EFCL) is running a Rink Cafe – a mentorship program. “Connect with fellow rink volunteers and discuss the ins and outs of running a League ice rink.” Save Outdoor Hockey – Fight Climate Change. Time: Noon – 1pm Location: Virtual – online Registration: Eventbrite
October 11th, Wednesday – Fair Shares: “As the climate crisis intensifies around the world, how is Canada showing up within the international community? Join us for a webinar, hosted by Anjali Appadurai, exploring the idea of “Fair Shares”, a key component of climate justice that movements in the Global South have championed for decades. The climate crisis is driven by deep histories of colonialism, global capitalism, international trade, geopolitics and imperialism. All of these forces come together to create the political deadlock that we find ourselves in today. This crisis, however, also has a deep history of organized struggle, which began in the Global South where communities have been pushing back against the root causes of this crisis for decades. We need to understand this history and the current global big picture in order to truly understand “Climate Justice”. With this international perspective in mind, we can do our local and regional work more effectively.” Time 4:30-6pm (PT) so 5:30-7pm (MT) Location: Virtual – Zoom Registration: Zoom
October 12th, Thursday – Protecting our Pensions & the Planet: Info-Session: “There is no retirement security without a safe climate future to retire into. But Canada’s largest pension funds, including the Canada Pension Plan, are not on track to protect our retirement savings from the climate crisis or to support the transition to a low-carbon future. In fact, Canadian pensions are heavily invested in fossil fuels, which are jeopardizing the very future we’re saving for. As beneficiaries, we can demand better from our pension managers. Join us for a 1-hour info-session with Shift Action to learn more about how Canada’s largest pension plans, including the CPP, continue to risk our retirement savings on fossil fuels despite the worsening global climate crisis. Learn how we can engage our pension funds to protect our pensions and our planet by investing in a just and liveable future. Time: 7pm ET – so 5 pm for Alberta Location: Virtual Register: For Our Kids Website: For Our Kids
October 13th, Friday – Weekly Climate Strike: A weekly reminder to Edmontonians that we are in a Climate Emergency. We are restarting the weekly morning climate strikes. Extra signs will be available for people to use – or bring your own. Time: 8 am to 9 am Location: 109thstreet and 88th Avenue Facebook: Edmonton Climate Strike
October 13th, Friday – CAUA October Speakers Series: Sherilee Harper: Climate Action Coalition at the University of Alberta (CAUA) is starting a climate speaker series. “Come join us for our first monthly speakers series, in partnership with the Intermedia Research Studio! In this Climate Speakers Series, we’re bringing the people behind groundbreaking research, giving you a front-row seat to their latest work, and offering a platform for open dialogue on pressing climate issues. This month, we welcome Dr Sherilee Harper. She is a Canada Research Chair in Climate Change and Health, Kule Scholar, and Professor in the School of Public Health at the University of Alberta. Time: 2:00 PM – 4:00 PM Location: Tory 1-096 11207 Saskatchewan Dr NW Who: Climate Action Coalition at the University of Alberta (CAUA) Registration: Event Create
October 13th, 14th, and 15th – Climate Camp: “Join us [Climate Justice Edmonton] this fall on October 13-15 for Climate Camp! Over the weekend, we’re bringing 100 new and experienced climate and community organizers together in Edmonton, where we’ll build community relationships and foster the skills needed to strengthen the climate movement in so-called Alberta. If you’re passionate about climate wins in your communities, organizing for collective power and to resist disaster capitalism, Climate Camp is for you! You can expect session topics like: Climate Justice 101, One-on-One Conversations, Crafting a Personal Narrative, Art as Activism, How to Build Multiracial Movements, and How to do Power Analysis. Deadline to apply (for those who require a hotel room): September 12, 2023 Deadline to apply (for those who do not require a hotel room): October 6, 2023 We will be capping attendance at around 100 participants to stay within capacity so apply as soon as possible! At this time, we are limiting participation from minors to people who live in Edmonton.” Location: University of Alberta, Edmonton Registration: Fill out this form
October 14th, Saturday – Walk for Life Leduc: “We believe that every step we take locally leaves footprints globally. Every dollar fundraised, every poster seen, every person made aware of the issue of human trafficking, add up to one Global impact – a world where everyone is free. We are very excited to be hosting our first Walk for Freedom in Leduc, AB! Check in will take place at 11am at City Life Church! Make sure to dress for the weather, wear your walking shoes, all black and your Walk for Freedom shirt if you have one!” This is part of the global awareness campaign organized by A21. I don’t know why there isn’t an event in Edmonton. I would have put one on but I am at the Climate Camp this weekend. Time: 11:00 am – 12:30 pm Location: City Life Church – 5216 50th Ave, Leduc Website: A21 Registration: Register Now Hashtags: #WalkForFreedom, #EndHumantraficking,
October 15th, Sunday – October Potluck: “Bring your own plates, cutlery, beverage and serving plus a vegan potluck dish to serve at least 6 people (per adult attending). And bring your friends. Everyone is welcome!” Time: 5:30 pm – 7:30 pm Location: Riverdale Community League 9231 100 Ave Cost: $5 or $3 for members to cover rental cost URL: Alberta Vegans
October 16th, Monday – City of Edmonton Zoning Bylaw Renewal Inititive: Zoning is one of those things that goes on without much attention by the average citizen – until you want to make some changes to your house, business, etc. It affects the types and sizes of buildings and businesses that can be built/operated in certain areas of our city. The current bylaw has not ahd a good overhaul since the 60s. The proposed zoning changes will allow more densification, a greater mix in neighbourhoods (small apartment blocks, multi-family dwellings, etc in traditional ‘single family home’ neighbourhoods), etc. This has made for some bitter battles happening in the Edmonton community. People that do not want intrusion of these changes into their neighbourhoods because they want the area to stay the same, urbanists that want more densification and climate friendlier/15-minute cities/etc, developers that want to put more buildings into a smaller area thus increasing their profits, etc. It is not pretty but this is what a democracy looks like. This is the proposed new bylaw Taproot Edmonton has written a good informative article and Grow Together Edmonton has put together a guide to help you register to speak and some pointers. Time: starting at 9:30 am (but if you register to speak it could be any time after that or even on a different day). Location: Council Chamber, 2nd Floor, City Hall, 1 Sir Winston Churchill Square More Information: City of Edmonton – there are two changes that the council will be voting on and you will have to figure out if you are going to speak to one or both of them since the form to speak will ask you to list the Register to speak: City of Edmonton
October 19th, Thursday – Curbing Traffic: Building happier, healthier, more human-sized cities for everyone: “We’re excited to welcome half of Melissa & Chris Bruntlett thanks to the Dutch Cycling Embassy, Ualberta SURP, Paths for People, Bike Edmonton, and the Alberta Professional Planners Institute. Save the date and official registration is below. Melissa and Chris Bruntlett are Canadian authors and urban mobility advocates who strive to communicate the benefits of sustainable transport and inspire happier, healthier, more human-scale cities. Their first book, Building the Cycling City: The Dutch Blueprint for Urban Vitality, explored the urban and transport planning decisions that established the Netherlands as a bicycle paradise, and how North American communities are translating these ideas to build their own cycling cities.” Chris will be talking on a number of topics such as:
· Quick wins – proven successes of low-cost, low-effort measures to increase cycling
· Pop-up to permanent – Light, fast construction methods, materials, practices
· Bikenomics – how the the (local) economy benefits from cycling
· Touristic & recreational routes – how to include cycling into tourism & recreation
· Parking – Learning best practice when it comes to secure, convenient parking
· Communication and storytelling – Winning “hearts and minds” with stakeholders
Time: 6 pm to 9 pm Location: University of Alberta – more exact details forthcoming More details: Facebook Cost: 15$ – Michael Janz is offering a coupon (cost is 15$) on his website for this event Register and more information: Michael Janz
October 20th to October 22nd – COMING HOME TO OURSELVES: PRACTICING COLLECTIVE GRIEF, JOY AND LIBERATION WHILE THE WORLD UNRAVELS: “Many of us are grappling with the reality of an unraveling world. Author Stephen Jenkinson, says “Whatever spiritual awakening might have meant in past times and places, if you awaken in our time, you awaken with a sob.” We are living through a period of unprecedented climate emergencies, mass extinction, colonial violence, rising fascism, accelerated extractive capitalism, and a pervasive sense of disbelonging. The scale of problems we face as a species is immense, and the issues are intertwined. Often, we shoulder these collective truths alone – oscillating between overwhelm and numbness, leading to further disconnection in the very places where we could share and honour the experience of living in a world that is both precious and precarious. But what if we allowed our broken hearts to reconnect us to Earth and each other? What if these times of crisis and uncertainty are opportunities to bring forward essential gifts and new ways of being in the world? Can practices of collective mourning, love, and belonging help to ground us while the world unravels?” Time: Friday, October 20; 7:00pm – Sunday, October 22; 12:30 pm Location: Refugia Retreat Centre, Water Valley, Alberta Website: Refugia Retreats
October 21st, Saturday – How To Festival: How to Grow a Thousand-Year-Old Tree: “Imagine living in a city filled with thousand-year-old trees. Imagine a future that’s greener than the present. Join designer and master gardener Dustin Bajer to learn about an initiative to grow thousand-year-old trees across Edmonton. Learn about trees that can live for thousands of years, the methods and locations for planting them, ways to ensure their safety, and why cultivating a greener future is essential today. This is an online program. To receive a link and passcode to the online class, please register and instructions will be sent to you within 24 hours of the session. Zoom, a third-party app, will be used for this virtual session. By joining, you acknowledge that EPL does not take responsibility for Zoom’s privacy policies and practices. Dustin Bajer is an educator, master gardener, writer, beekeeper, and founder of Shrubscriber. Shrubscriber brings together gardeners, schools, and climate-conscious organizations with community workshops, seeds, and step-by-step propagation instructions, so that we can distribute thousands of trees and grow a food-secure, biodiverse, and climate-adapted Edmonton. Learn more and join at Shrubscriber.com. Time: 2:00 pm – 3:00 pm Location: Online event – virtual Registration: Edmonton Public Library
October 21st, Saturday – Counter-Protest 1MillionMarch4Children: On September 20th, 2023, 1MillionMarch4Children held a protest outside the Alberta Teacher’s Association building in Edmonton. This was part of a cross-country (Canada) day of action. In response, there were counter-protests. On October 21st, 1MillionMarch4Children will be hosting another protest (details will be made available when availablehere and on the United for Change Facebook page). Time: TBA Location: TBA Webpage: United for Change Facebook
October 21st, Saturday – Vegan Outreach Workshop: Inspiring Behaviour Change: “This training is ideal for those who advocate on behalf of nonhuman animals to friends, family, and strangers. In this training you will learn:
– How to avoid debates and arguments – How to reduce defensiveness in others – How to manage other people’s egos – How to help people explore their values (what questions to ask) – How to help people align their actions with their values
The training will be approximately 2 hours followed by a Q and A session. Time: this is a global event so it is best to figure out the time when you register. Location: Virtual Event Page: Facebook Registration: Form
October 25th, Wednesday – MMIWG2S Calls for Justice Reading Circle: “Join a group of caring community members for a reading circle of Reclaiming Power and Place: the Final Report of the National Inquiry into Missing and Murdered Indigenous Women and Girls Executive Summary. In this circle, we will be taking turns reading sections and will have time to discuss, share stories, and smudge together.” Time: 5:30 pm – 7:00 pm Location: PÎYÊSÎW WÂSKÂHIKAN, First Floor, Stanley A. Milner Library, 7 Sir Winston Churchill Square Centennial Plaza More information: Edmonton Public Library Registration: Edmonton Public Library
October 26th, Thursday – The Colonial Urge to Commodify the Climate Crisis: Unpacking False Solutions: “Indigenous Climate Action is dedicated to raising awareness about the impacts of climate change on Indigenous communities and advocating for sustainable solutions that respect Indigenous sovereignty, knowledge, and cultural practices. As we navigate the complexities posed by this climate crisis, it is vital to address not only genuine solutions but also the false solutions that can perpetuate more environmental harm and social injustices. The aim of this webinar series is to facilitate open and informative discussions that shed light on various false solutions that are often presented as viable approaches to combat the climate crisis and counteract them with real, Indigenous-led solutions. Part 1: Unpacking False Solutions Panel highlighting false solutions with a short recap of UNFCCC COP27. This webinar discussion will cover questions like:
How can we begin to identify when a solution is false? What are false solutions?
How can false solutions impact Indigenous communities? How can we resist?
How are false solutions being presented at the UNFCCC COP? How might this impact communities?
October 27th, Friday – Edmonton Critical Mass Ride – Halloween Theme: Across the world critical mass rides are traditional held on the last Friday of the month to raise awareness about bicycling safety, the number of people using bicycles and other human-powered devices, infrastructure, government policies, etc. This is a slow ride. We will be covering about 8+kms as we weave through Edmonton downtown and over to the southside across the High Level Bridge. We will terminate the ride in Old Strathcona. There could be a social after the ride. This ride will be Halloween themed since the roads can be quite a scary place – and it shouldn’t be! Sign up to Edmonton Critical Mass for updates. This is a monthly event. Time: 5 pm Location: Sir Winston Churchill Square (look for the cyclists between the city hall and the square on 102a Avenue between 99th Street and 100th Street. Facebook: Edmonton Critical Mass Hashtag: #yegbike #yegCriticalMass #EdmontonCriticalMass
November 4th, Saturday – Power Up for Climate Solutions: “350.org and partners are holding a global day of action to stand together against the fossil fuel industry’s greed and lift up our vision for a just future powered by the sun and the wind. There are already over a hundred Power Up actions planned worldwide, including quite a few in Canada. Check out this Canadian map to find an action near you. If there isn’t one yet, sign up to host your own. You can also check out the global Power Up! website here.” There is one happening in Edmonton.
Start Planning for the Future
There are global days of action happening throughout the world. Edmonton can participate in these actions – all it takes is you.
November 17th-19th – Parkland Conference – “Alberta at the Crossroads: Building the World We Want”: “Alberta is at a crossroads. The status quo is not sustainable politically, economically, or ecologically. The decisions we make from now on will determine whether we join a worldwide movement towards building a more just future or if we go backward. This conference is about ensuring Alberta moves forward. It is about dreaming big and making things happen. It is about how we push for change and envision a province that is just, equitable, and sustainable. It is about how we look to what others outside our borders have been doing, while also finding ways to support and expand the work that many among us have already been doing to build a more just province and world. By bringing together thinkers, writers, and activists from Alberta and beyond, “At the Crossroads” will be a space where we can learn from each other and begin shaping the Alberta we want for us and for future generations.”
November 30 until December 12, 2023 – COP28 – The 2023 United Nations Climate Change Conference or Conference of the Parties of the UNFCCC, more commonly referred to as COP28, will be the 28th United Nations Climate Change conference, held from November 30 until December 12, 2023, at the Expo City, Dubai. Wikipedia. I suspect that the local Edmonton Climate Justice groups will do something in solidarity with the worldwide activities that will be happening. That it is being hosted by a petrostate, headed by an oil executive, and in a state that will be very unsympathetic to protesters is going to make this COP very interesting.
February 5th – 9th – International Week at the University of Alberta: “A warming globe, increasing numbers of refugees and displaced persons, gender disparity, economic inequalities, freshwater shortages, famine, war… We are bombarded with these issues and many others facing the planet and its inhabitants daily. To address these issues, the UN established the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) to be achieved by 2030. The Goals, adopted in 2015, call on governments and civil society worldwide to address the world’s most pressing issues, from poverty and education to health and the environment. I-Week is a chance to hear international and local perspectives on global issues. On February 5-9, 2024, International Week speakers connected their work to the SDGs. U of A’s annual International Week is an incubator of ideas and a source of inspiration for us to work together for a better world. Stay tuned for updates on I-Week 2024.
2024 YEG Winter Cycling Congress is happening in Edmonton this year: “Join us in February 2024 [22nd to 24th] for an unforgettable multi-day event filled with informative sessions, bicycle excursions, and a community of passionate winter cyclists. Discover new possibilities while exploring the cycling-friendly city of Edmonton. Don’t miss out on this unique opportunity to connect with fellow enthusiasts and learn from experts in the field.” [I think the “cycling -friendly” is a bit of a stretch – Michael]. You can register here. Early bird rate is only until September 30th, 2023 so if you want to save a bit of money because the 450$ could be a bit of a deterrent. Mind you, if you go as a representative of a non-profit group the cost is only 200$. Good time to step up as your Community League cycling advocate and representative.
Call Out for Help
On the ALERT (Alberta Law Enforcement Response Teams) website, there is a call-out by the Edmonton Police for help in identifying a bedroom that was the background in the alleged sexual exploitation of minor.
Youth Climate Corps
“Climate mobilization in Canada has yet to feel like a grand societal undertaking. The Youth Climate Corps is an invitation to the country’s youth to mobilize to confront today’s gravest threat: the climate emergency. We are past overdue on a real plan that acts fast to transform the country away from its current trajectory to growing emissions and climate disaster. A Youth Climate Corps would put thousands of young people to work in rapidly curbing emissions, preparing our infrastructure for its coming impacts, and responding to the emergencies we’re locking in.” You can support the call for a Youth Climate Corps through the Climate Emergency Unit website.
Heat Pumps
The National Observer issued a good article on heat pumps – let’s call it Heat Pumps 101 and it includes a link to an online calculator so that we can do a rough estimate of the savings that could be garnered by switching to a heat pump. If you are buying a new home or upgrading your heating system, please consider a heat pump system. ALL new housing should be electric heat pumps.
Information and Suggestions
There is a housing crisis in the world. Everywhere across Canada there is a housing crisis. The causes are numerous and the effects devastating. Not enough options for people, land speculation, landlords increasing rents beyond reasonable, conversion to condominums, AirBnB and their ilk, etc. If you are a renter feeling the squeeze you might be interested in a workshop/training being put on by Tenant Union. Yes – this is for Toronto area but much of the skills and knowledge that a person would learn could be transferable to the Edmonton area.
You might have been aware of the recent media attention to the issue of a former Nazi being applauded at parliament the other week. A local activist (among many other talents), Paula Kirman, did an interesting video about two monuments in Edmonton that are ‘celebrating’ Nazis. Please consider watching this short film. It is called Monumental Secrets. I don’t know about you but I am uncomfortable, actually, I am opposed, to having these monuments in our city. They should be removed and installed in a museum somewhere with a full accounting – including why they were removed.
Please share information with me so that I can populate this with more details and information. I intend to eventually get it so that it is emailed out to people and has a better site but for now, this is what I have to offer you.
Edmonton Tool Library – a great resource for sharing tools and resources within our community. Check them out. They are also looking for volunteers to join their team.
Petitions/Letter writing
See the Petition page under resources for more information how to create your own. Petitions can be an effective way to raise awareness of an issue, get the ball rolling, and sometimes they even work. Here is a list of present ongoing petitions in Canada that I wish to highlight:
Grassy Lakes Coal Mine – Canadian Parks and Wilderness (CPAWS) have initiated a letter writing campaign to the provincial government to shut do the application process for this mine to open in the Crowsnest Pass area of the Rocky Mountains.
Save Our Canada Pension Plan – It appears that Public Interest Alberta has a letter-writing campaign and petition to the UCP government to express citizens’ opposition to their expressed intention to withdraw from the CPP and establish an Alberta Pension Plan. Check it out here.
Efficiency Canada has launched a letter writing campaign to petition the federal government to invest in energy efficiency programs for low-income households.
Plant Based Treaty – this portal will help you send a letter to your city councillors
Ban on advertising – a comprehensive ban on advertising, sponsorship, and promotion of fossil fuel companies, products, and services (including gasoline, gas utilities, and internal combustion engine vehicles) to protect public health – Federal petition (e-4469). Open until September 28th, 2023
Casino Volunteering – most charities, non-profit groups (NGOs), and other organizations conduct casinos to help them out with their funding. I recently read this in a newsletter: “It was calculated that each volunteer hour generated $640 in funding to Argyll”. (This is a sizable amount of money – I used to say that each volunteer shift provided the NGO with about 2,000$. Great return on time for the volunteer’s time.)What can you legally do that could bring in this kind of funds for a group that you support or what to see stay solvent? Your community league, your child’s school/kindergarten, your church, community league, etc are always looking for volunteers. The local environmental group, the groups that feed people on the streets, etc also need your participation in casinos (if they do them).
See the Climate Camp training and workshops in October above along with the trainings in vegan activism and course by Indigenous Climate Action.
Employment
If you are looking to get a ‘green job’ you might want to check the GoodWorks website
Please send things that should be on this list to michael.kalmanovitch@gmail.com
Disclaimer – the Activist Agenda tries to ensure that the information contained within it is accurate but mistakes do happen. Please double-check events and information that are relevant to you to make sure you have the correct date, time, location, and any other relevant information.
If you subscribe you get a notification when a new version of the Activist Agenda is created.
It was Orange Shirt Day and National Day for Truth and Reconciliation on September 30th. Here is a commentary by a teacher from about what happened at their school. (Unlearn16) Never again!
Activist Agenda 
Leave a comment