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Climate change action needed now, says rally organizer (Update: Rally postponed)

Rally seeks MP Lloyd Longfield's support for moratorium on new fossil fuel projects, freeze of expansion efforts
20190911 forest fire mnrf
Village media file photo

Due to rainy weather, the planned rally outside MP Lloyd Longfield's office Thursday has been postponed until Friday, still at 10:30 a.m.

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With a likely federal election on the horizon and wildfires burning throughout the country, now’s the time to get politicians on board for increased action in the fight against climate change, believes the organizer of a rally planned outside MP Lloyd Longfield’s office on Thursday morning.

“I hope the event raises our federal government’s consciousness about our urgent need,” said Guelph resident and volunteer organizer Sam Stevenson, “and invest way more funding, legislation, time into having … legislation to make sure no one is left behind, especially people who work in the fossil fuel industry.”

The rally – one of many planned throughout the country – is part of an effort being spearheaded by 350.org, a group dedicated to stopping the use of fossil fuels. It will be held outside the MP’s Farquhar Street office at 10:30 a.m. and followed by a scheduled Zoom chat with Longfield at 11 a.m.

The group is calling for an “immediate moratorium” on new fossil fuel approvals and a freeze on the expansion of existing projects. Longfield will be asked to sign a pledge to “do everything in my power to respond to the climate emergency” including legislation to help workers and communities, especially Indigenous and remote communities, to transition toward 100 per cent renewable energy use.

“My pessimistic and probably realistic side says Lloyd is probably going to avoid signing the pledge and speak to current legislation they have in place,” Stevenson said, referring to initiatives of the federal government, “which is unfortunately not living up to what science is demanding.”

If that’s the case, he plans to bring the pledge to upcoming candidates from other major parties in an effort to gain their support.

There are currently about 25 people who have registered to attend the rally, though Stevenson welcomes others to take part. Participants are asked to wear a mask and social distance from those who are outside their bubble.


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Richard Vivian

About the Author: Richard Vivian

Richard Vivian is an award-winning journalist and longtime Guelph resident. He joined the GuelphToday team as assistant editor in 2020, largely covering municipal matters and general assignment duties
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