Press Releases

March 25 — Special Fridays For Future Global Strike #PeopleNotProfit

CAM
People not profit

Mark your calendars for next Friday, March 25. We hope you’ll join us for a special #FridaysForFuture #People Not Profit Global Climate Strike, Friday March 25. 

Bracebridge
11:30 – 12:30 | Memorial Park

Huntsville
11:30 – 12:30 | across the bridge from Main Street, between the bridge and Pizza Nova (This is a new location, so please confirm with your team leader.)

Environment Haliburton! 
Noon to 1:00pm | Meet In front of the locomotive at the end of Head Lake, Haliburton Village

Climate Action Parry Sound
11:30 – 12:30 | Meet at Mary and James Street intersection 

We stand as one body and we stand as one voice. Now, more than ever, it is important to unite our activist voices worldwide. #PeopleNotProfit

Learn more about the strike and its organizers, check out the world map of strike locations and access digital assets HERE. 

March 2, 2022 — The High Price of Bad Energy Choices

CAM

This month, in a collaborative event with Seniors for Climate Action Now! and Climate Action Muskoka, EH! will host Jack Gibbons from The Ontario Clean Air Alliance. 

The high price of bad energy choices

Under the Ford government plans, gas plants will be used to replace aging nuclear reactors and meet new demands for electricity from electric vehicles and home heating. But this will result in soaring greenhouse gas emissions at a time when we should be doing everything we can to combat climate change. Gibbons will lay out an alternative plan for getting Ontario to a zero-carbon electricity grid by 2030.

recording available here

Getting Ontario to a Zero-Carbon Electricity Grid by 2030

Ontario Clean Air Alliance – January 2022 – report

Ontario historic emissions

According to Ontario’s Independent Electricity System Operator (IESO), the greenhouse gas (GHG) pollution from Ontario’s gas-fired power plants will increase by 375% by 2030 and by more than 600% by 2040 as the province uses fossil gas to replace aging nuclear reactors and to meet growing demand for electricity driven by population growth and the increased electrification of homes, buildings and transportation systems. If this occurs, Ontario will lose almost half (48%) of the pollution reduction benefits that it achieved by phasing-out its dirty coal plants.

READ THE Report

“Posing as Canadian: How Big Foreign Oil Captures Canadian Energy and Climate Policy”

CAM

Muskoka – Please join political economist and Gravenhurst resident Gordon Laxer in a webinar on his new report exposing the disturbing power and influence of multi-national foreign oil corporations on Canadian climate and energy policy, Thursday, January 27, 2022 at 7:30 pm.

Published by the Council of Canadians and the Canadian Centre for Policy Alternatives, “Posing as Canadian: How Big Foreign Oil Captures Canadian Energy and Climate Policy” reveals how foreign fossil fuel interests influence Canadian governments.

“People may be surprised and intrigued to learn that all major oil corporations operating in Canada are fully or majority foreign-owned,” says Laxer. “Yet they wave the maple leaf flag, meddle in Canadian politics and perpetually lobby the federal and Alberta governments. In a healthy democracy, the voters, not foreign-influenced corporations, shape the policies enacted in their name.”

The event is jointly hosted by Climate Action Muskoka (CAM), Environment Haliburton! (EH!) and Seniors for Climate Action Now! (SCAN!).

RECORDING NOW AVAIABLE

The report found that foreign-owned corporations fund about 97 per cent of the revenue of the Canadian Association of Petroleum Producers (CAPP) – the apex oil and gas lobby group in Canada. A 2018 law bans foreign entities from meddling in Canadian elections. But, if corporations list their headquarters in Canada, they can register as third-party advertisers for elections. Executives of foreign-owned oil corporations have made sizeable contributions to political parties and politicians who favour their agenda. The report recommends closing the loophole.

“Climate impacts now occur across Canada. Oil and gas production is the largest source of carbon pollution here, but still governments drag their feet on policies to transition off fossil fuels. Now we know why,” says CAM co-founder, Sue McKenzie. “Canadians want to be listened to and want a ‘made in Canada’ climate policy, not one influenced by foreign fossil fuel interests.”

Gordon Laxer is a political economist, professor emeritus at the University of Alberta, and the founding Director of Parkland Institute. He is the author of two award-winning books (After the Sands: Energy and Ecological Security for Canadians, and Open for Business: The Roots of Foreign Ownership in Canada) and the editor of several others. He has published over 40 journal articles, refereed book chapters, and research reports. His op-eds have been published widely in Canadian outlets and he has also been a regular guest on current affairs radio and television programs. 

Find the Report and more here: www.gordonlaxer.com

Climate Action Muskoka, COP26 Climate Strike, G8 flag park in Huntsville.

CAM
While they talk, our world burns. Climate Action Muskoka, COP26 Climate Strike, Saturday November 6, at the G8 flag park in Huntsville.

COP26 Climate Strike, Saturday November 6, at the G8 flag park in Huntsville. Click the arrow to play the Slide show!
More pictures on Facebook:  Climate Action Muskoka 
and Instagram @climateactionmuskoka

COP 26 and Net Zero’s Dangerous Distractions 

CAM

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

Climate Action Muskoka (CAM) is co-sponsoring a vital and timely pre-COP26 (Conference of the Parties) webinar with Environment Haliburton!(EH!) and Seniors for Climate Action Now! (SCAN!) titled COP 26 and Net Zero’s Dangerous Distractions this Thursday, October 28 at 7:30pm ET. All are welcome to attend.


Marc Lee, prominent senior economist with the Canadian Centre for Policy Alternatives (CCPA), will discuss what the concept of “Net Zero” is and why it is a dangerous mitigation plan to address the climate crisis. The SCAN! Education Committee will explain why the success of COP26 is critical for the future. 

Lee joined the CCPA in 1998 and is one of Canada’s leading progressive commentators on economic and social policy issues. He led the CCPA’s Climate Justice Project (CJP) which published a wide range of research on fair and effective approaches to climate action through integrating principles of social justice.

The CCPA is an independent, non-partisan research institute concerned with issues of social, economic and environmental justice. Founded in 1980, it is one of Canada’s leading progressive voices in public policy debates. 

The CCPA produces the research and analysis necessary for policymakers, activists, and everyday Canadians to make informed decisions and press for social change.

Register for the webinar here: https://us02web.zoom.us/meeting/register/tZIvcuGuqD4vHtHpYkfOh0WNXUD3hmEejUIH?fbclid=IwAR0gELUJPxXDU7deMV4we7F6QdmL0hzAkx_27PdLDkXBmqxLlurCVAPSX5Y  

or on the EH! website: https://www.environmenthaliburton.org/

Vote Climate Canada is Still on Fire

CAM

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

Muskoka – Climate Action Muskoka (CAM) and Climate Action Parry Sound (CAPS) are calling on all federal parties and all federal candidates to deliver real action on the Climate Crisis by supporting a moratorium on fossil fuel expansion, including a freeze on fossil fuel projects currently under construction, and Just Transition legislation that leaves no one behind.

“Our planet is on the ballet this year. Everyone needs to raise their voice loud enough so that the federal parties listen,” says CAM’s Sue McKenzie, commenting that the group wants to give citizens an opportunity to do so in their own communities of Gravenhurst, Bracebridge, Huntsville and Parry Sound on September 8.

Parry Sound Muskoka riding towns will join 50+ communities across Canada holding Vote Climate – Canada is STILL on Fire climate marches Wednesday, September 8,the day of the French All-Candidates Debate and the day before the English Debate.

“This is the climate election,” McKenzie said. “If we wait four more years, climate tipping points will have been reached and can never be turned back.”

The Muskoka Events will run from 11:15am to 12:30pm (11:00 to 12:30 in Parry Sound) in the following locations:

Gravenhurst – meet at the Gazebo at Muskoka Wharf, near the Lion’s Pavilion on Bay St.

Bracebridge – Memorial Park beside the Norwood Theatre on Manitoba St.

Huntsville – corner of Main and John at the swing bridge

Parry Sound – Mary St Centre lawn at 11:00am

These are NON-PARTISAN events. We ask that everyone adhere to masking and social distancing health guidelines. Check our website the morning of the event for any changes: https://www.climateactionmuskoka.org/

Please RSVP to climateactionmuskoka@gmail.com to let us know which event site you will attend – or just show up on the day!

Here are a few sign ideas – or write a message on your mask. (We will have a few extra signs.)

  • VOTE CLIMATE
  • End fossil fuel expansion
  • Just Transition now
  • Put out the fires
  • I’m voting for a just transition
  • Vote to end fossil fuel expansion
  • Canada is STILL on Fire
  • Climate Emergency! Act Like It! 
  • YOUR OWN MESSAGE…

Climate Action Muskoka

RTO-ERO and CAM Taking Action In a Climate Crisis

CAM
RTO-ERO and CAM

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE 

Muskoka – An exciting new initiative to take action on the Climate Crisis in Muskoka was launched Friday at the weekly Climate Strike in Memorial Park, Bracebridge. The Muskoka Chapter of the Retired Teachers of Ontario (RTO/ERO) is supporting Climate Action Muskoka (CAM) with a financial donation to be used to promote the CAM 50% by 2030 Community Carbon Challenge. 

The Challenge calls on all Muskoka households, businesses and groups to assume the same greenhouse gas (GHG) reduction goal – 50% by 2030 – as the District of Muskoka and the area municipalities. Sign up to take the challenge at climateactionmuskoka.org. 

RTO-ERO’s goal is to significantly increase the number of households in Muskoka who pledge to take action to make a difference in sustaining the Muskoka environment. They also want to promote the use of the Carbon Calculator on the CAM website and encourage changes in behavior by individuals and households.  

RTO-ERO is looking at three different steps to achieve its goal and, to that end, has printed bookmarks to invite participation by both permanent and seasonal residents and to provide lots of simple ideas for GHG reductions. The group will be: 

  • providing posters and bookmarks to Muskoka businesses that are frequented by seasonal residents to provide information on the Community Carbon Challenge and how to access it. Watch for posters and bookmarks coming soon to local businesses and bulletin boards across Muskoka! 
  • providing bookmarks to all municipalities in Muskoka. 
  • distributing bookmarks to all junior level classrooms in Muskoka, along with some curriculum ideas for teachers, to encourage students and their parents to take up the Community Carbon Challenge.  

The Retired Teachers of Ontario, District 46, Muskoka (RTOERO) endorsed the efforts of CAM almost a year and a half ago and can now report that the District of Muskoka, the Township of Lake of Bays, and the Town Councils of Bracebridge, Gravenhurst, and Huntsville have joined the Township of Georgian Bay in declaring a climate emergency.  

For more information contact Joanne Garvey at president46@districts.rtoero.ca or CAM at climateactionmuskoka@gmail.com 

Kudos to Huntsville Town Council for Passing a Climate Emergency Resolution

CAM
Huntsville passes Climate Emeregency Resolution

Huntsville becomes the third Muskoka municipality to declare a strong Climate Emergency resolution, joining the Township of Georgian Bay and the Town of Gravenhurst. The resolution which was passed was rewritten by the Muskoka CAOs from the original CAM resolution. It includes the language and the strong targets in the original resolution. However, the community engagement component was missing but was added back in with an amendment by Mayor Terziano. This will ensure that Huntsville voices and Huntsville-specific actions are included in the Community Action Plan to be developed.

Read more: Town of Huntsville declares a climate emergency, aims to reduce greenhouse gas emissions to zero by 2050 From Huntsville Doppler. 

Natural Gas Subsidies In Muskoka

CAM

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

June 18, 2021

MUSKOKA – On June 13, 2021 Climate Action Muskoka (CAM) sent an open letter to MPP Miller and Premier Ford to raise awareness of a misguided Ontario policy – the expansion of new gas lines. The goal of affordable home heating is a good one. However, adding more greenhouse gases (GHGs) to the atmosphere is not the way to go. Muskoka must reduce GHG emissions 50% by 2030 and reach net zero emissions by 2050.

CAM advocates practical, workable solutions. We suggested four obvious ways to eliminate the need for natural gas heating: 1) super-insulated buildings require far less energy to heat; 2) advancements in heat pump technology make them the most energy efficient form of heating available (and they function well to -20C); 3) solar panels can help reduce the need for grid electricity; and 4) cash rebates can offset electrical energy costs. CAM also opposes the use of natural gas to generate electricity.

Our letter cited the government subsidies for Burk’s Falls and Hidden Valley. The cost: $3.1M for 144 buildings ($21,500 per unit!). We did not include the cost of the full Natural Gas Expansion Program (NGEP). In 2018 the Ford government put aside $234M to fund new gas distribution to 8,750 buildings ($26,000 per unit!).

It is provincial tax contributions that are funding the installation of natural gas lines by private companies. However, residents will be required to purchase natural gas furnaces themselves, committing them to the use of GHG-emitting fossil fuels for the next decade.

CAM believes that the NGEP is a misguided use of our Provincial resources. The policy does not reduce heating costs for the majority of Ontarians, and causes significant harm to our environment.

The Ford government is not responding to the urgency of the climate crisis and taking appropriate steps to address it. In fact, the government has already spent $231M to cancel over 750 renewable energy projects. As well, they have proposed legislation (within Bill 276) to repeal the existing requirement to give priority consideration to renewable energy production.

CAM calls on the provincial government to:

1.  Halt and reverse the expansion of natural gas distribution.

2.  Phase out gas-fired power plants by 2030.

3.  Spend the previously allocated funds on energy solutions that reduce GHGs.

4.  Distribute the benefits of the spending more equitably.

Oliver Klimek

On behalf of Climate Action Muskoka