A group representing B.C. youth is petitioning the federal government for good, green work.
Last week young British Columbians gathered outside the constituency office in Ladner of federal Minister of Employment Carla Qualtrough to deliver more than 90 cover letters from Canadians ready for a yet-to-exist offer from the federal government for good, green work.
To secure that work, the youth are calling for the creation of a Youth Climate Corps, a federally-funded climate action program that would provide anyone 35 and under with living wage jobs that address community-identified needs.
“We’re ready for a government program that offers us meaningful climate work, yet all our options remain small, short, and without the opportunity to turn into long-lasting careers,” said organizer Manvi Bhalla. “The climate crisis is here. Youth understand the need for mass worker mobilization to adapt our communities and accelerate mitigation efforts: it’s time the government acted accordingly.”
Bhalla said the popularity of long-term green jobs programs has been made clear by the diversity of youth engaging with the call to action
“Since launching the call for cover letters only two weeks ago, youth across the country have demonstrated incredible support for this proposed national program and have identified hundreds of jobs and industries that are critical to ensuring liveable futures,” Bhalla said.
Qualtrough, who was not in Ladner on May 8 when the letters were handed to her constituency office, provided a follow-up statement to the Optimist.
“Young people in Delta and across Canada are concerned about their futures. They’re leading the charge to create a healthier planet, with cleaner air, cleaner water and good jobs – now and for generations to come,” said Qualtrough. “They are hoping to build careers doing meaningful work to improve our world. In doing so, they are setting an example for the rest of us to follow.
“Here in Delta, my Constituency Youth Council has identified climate action as a top priority. We are very lucky to have engaged youth leaders with a passion for doing good. I regularly share their thoughtful advice with my colleagues in Ottawa and around the Cabinet table. I believe that we make better decisions as a government when the voices of young people are listened to.”
For more about the call for a Youth Climate Corps, visit: https://www.climateemergencyunit.ca/climatecorps.
