Canadian Youth Announce No Confidence in Current Climate Policy

December 4, 2008

(Poznan, Poland) Young Canadians attending the UNFCCC conference announced today that they have lost confidence in the Canadian government for being unable to effectively address climate change.

Members of the Canadian Youth Delegation delivered their message following the ‘Fossil of the Day’ mock award ceremony at the UN Climate Change Conference in Poznan, Poland. Canada swept the Fossil awards – a dubious distinction for the country considered to most obstruct or delay negotiations during the annual conference.

The youth delegates delivered their message holding Canadian flags and surrounding a banner that read: No Confidence. They will also release a companion video online conveying their message.

As the federal Conservative government faces a possible confidence vote on December 8 in Parliament, young Canadians attending the climate talks are demanding responsible direction from political leaders to deal with climate change. Recent polls show eighty-three per cent of Canadians want strong action on climate change.

“By failing to show leadership on this issue, failing to cooperate with the international community, and establishing policies that seem to ignore the science on climate change, young Canadians have lost faith that the current government can bring about the much needed change on this issue,” said Canadian youth delegate Rosa Kouri.

“Young Canadians have already lost confidence, the rest of the country needs to catch up,” continues Kouri. “Because our political system is so dysfunctional, we doubt that postponing an inevitable no confidence vote will solve our problems. The majority of Canadians are behind strong action on climate change and it’s time for Canadians to unite behind this issue.”

“There is a real sense of urgency among young Canadians to address this climate crisis now,” said delegate Nicolas Nadeau. “Our future is on the line and we need a government that fully understands this.”

The Canadian Youth Delegation is a non-partisan group of 26 young Canadians from across the country who have come together to share the voice of Canadian youth with policymakers and connect young people across Canada to the international community. The CYD seeks to engage Canadian youth to create positive change in the international climate policy process.