Speech from the Throne: Unprecedented challenges create unprecedented opportunities if false climate solutions left behind

OTTAWA | TRADITIONAL, UNCEDED TERRITORY OF THE ALGONQUIN ANISHNAABEG PEOPLE – The challenges referenced in King Charles III’s Speech from the Throne demand that we move beyond a King’s symbol of sovereignty and come together to meet the current crises. Delivered on Tuesday morning, the speech opens a new parliamentary session and sets out the guiding principles for the Canadian federal government.

“Canada is at a crossroads which provides massive opportunities to address several crises facing this country at the same time,” said Liz McDowell Senior Campaigns Director at Stand.earth. “As Prime Minister Carney moves forward with ‘nation building’ projects, his first priorities should be to incentivize massive investments in renewable energy projects like wind, solar and geothermal, build an east-west electricity grid, and ensure that new homes are built to the highest green standards.”

A transformative economy that serves everyone also requires a rejection of fossil fuels which only benefits billionaires. An ‘energy superpower,’ as the speech referenced, cannot embrace  false solutions like carbon capture technology, biomass, and liquified natural gas, which receive massive taxpayer subsidies and perpetuate pollution while masquerading as clean energy sources.

Canada cannot counter Trump’s colonialism by further entrenching colonialism within Canada. This means any new projects must ensure the free and informed prior consent of Indigenous partners while upholding the most stringent environmental and regulatory processes.

“This is how we create good long term jobs and bolster our domestic economy without robbing our children of a liveable future. And if these projects are carried out in full partnership with Indigenous Nations, we can live up to the best version of ourselves – as a country that’s genuinely moving towards reconciliation, as well as one that deeply values nature,” concluded McDowell.

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Contacts:

Arin de Hoog, Communications – Oil, Gas and Shipping | arin.dehoog@stand.earth