“This case feels more important than ever as we come out of the hottest year on record, and it could not be more critical that the Ontario Government acts accordingly.” – – – Madison Dyck, Thunder Bay, Ontario and one of the young people involved in the court case
“There is urgency with this historic youth-led climate case going to court for climate action and for future generations. This case holds precedence and change towards a caring future.” – Beze Gray, Aamjiwnaang First Nation, Ontario, another one of the young people involved in the court case
A News Release from Ecojustice, an environmental law charity pursuing cases for a livable planet
Posted January 15th, 2024 on Niagara At Large
A Brief Footnote from Doug Draper at Niagara At Large – 
I hope as many as possible will read the following news release, follow this case and do everything they can to support this group of young people. Congratulations to them, to Ecojustice and to other supports for continuing to pursue this case against Ontario’s Ford government.
And shame on all those Ontario voters – most of them older people, including members of the ‘Baby Boomer Generation’ that has had a record of releantless, piggish consumption that has made a mess of our Earth – for twice electing into power a Ford government that has demonstrated over and over again its disdain for environmental protection.
By voting for Ford and his party of climate laggards, these aging Boomers and too many other members of the over-50 crowd have helped place a livable future for our children and grandchildren in peril.
Now here is the January 15th, 2024 news release from Ecojustice –
Toronto, Ontario —Seven young people at the helm of Mathur et. al., a historic youth-led climate case, (were) back in court(this January 15th) in what will be a crucial moment in the fight against the climate emergency in Canada.
The young people championing this important case. Photographer Tilly Nelson, set design Kendra Martyn & Kira Evenson
The group is at the Court of Appeal for Ontario, continuing their legal challenge of the Ontario government’s decision to significantly weaken the province’s 2030 climate target.
Sophia, Zoe, Shaelyn, Alex, Shelby, Madi, and Beze, backed by lawyers from Ecojustice and Stockwoods LLP, are fighting to protect their generation and future generations from government caused climate harms.
The case faced a setback in April 2023 when it was dismissed by the Ontario Superior Court, however the decision included several positive findings.
In her decision, Justice Marie-Andrée Vermette agreed with the youth applicants that climate change will have a disproportionate impact on youth and Indigenous Peoples. The judge also found the Ontario government is risking people’s health and lives by setting a dangerously low and unscientific target to reduce greenhouse gas emissions.
As the climate crisis intensifies, youth around the world have increasingly turned to climate litigation as a key tool to push governments to take this emergency seriously. These seven young Ontarians have already made Canadian legal history and are determined to continue fighting for a safer future.
Some Statements from the Young People Championing this Case –
Madison Dyck, Thunder Bay, Ont., said:
“The amount of time, passion, and energy that has collectively gone into this lawsuit has been incredible. I continue to feel proud of our team, and in awe of my fellow litigants. This case feels more important than ever as we come out of the hottest year on record, and it could not be more critical that the Ontario Government acts accordingly.”
Beze Gray, Aamjiwnaang First Nation, Ont., said:
“There is urgency with this historic youth-led climate case going to court for climate action and for future generations. This case holds precedence and change towards a caring future. The voices of youth must matter in Canadian law, including our hopes and sights for the future.
“What happens to the land happens to the people. For youth, our futures depend on action today. Protecting the land from climate change now is protecting Indigenous culture, language, ceremony, and land-based practices for sovereignty and self-determination.”
Sophia Mathur, Sudbury, Ont., said:
“As young leaders, we refuse to be silenced by setbacks. Our fight against Ontario’s inadequate climate targets is undeterred. Heading to the Court of Appeal, we stand resolute, unwavering in our commitment to protect the rights of all and secure a sustainable future for generations to come.” 
Here are statements from Ecojustice and other supporters –
Danielle Gallant, lawyer, Ecojustice said:
“This legal challenge comes at a crucial moment for climate action in Ontario and the world at large. Data just released in the European Union’s Copernicus Climate Change Service, 2023 report confirms that last year was the hottest year on record. Now it is time for the government to turn up the heat on climate action.
“These seven courageous young people have put the impact of climate change on youth and future generations at the forefront of the national debate. They are calling on their elected leaders to step up and accept their responsibility to protect Ontarians today and for generations to come.”
Nader Hasan, partner at Stockwoods and lead counsel to the Applicants, said:
“The Ontario government’s climate plan puts us on a path to climate catastrophe. It threatens the lives and safety of all Ontarians. We can no longer afford to be complacent while we wait for Ontario to do the right thing. That’s why our clients — these seven courageous young climate advocates — have taken this government to court.”
About Ecojustice – Ecojustice is Canada’s largest environmental law charity. From coast to coast to coast, we have a proven history of winning key cases and securing environmental protections.
Taking governments and polluters to court is in our roots. We started as the Sierra Legal Defence Fund back in 1990 as a direct response to the Exxon Valdez disaster — then the world’s worst oil spill. What began as two determined people working out of the back of a car, is now a leading Canadian charity led by lawyers, scientists, and subject matter experts.
For more than 30 years, Ecojustice lawyers have represented people like you at every level of court— free of charge.
Today, Ecojustice has 80+ staff working to save the only planet we’ve ever called home. We are all on Indigenous land, and we are grateful to operate offices in the cities commonly known as Vancouver, Calgary, Toronto, Ottawa, and Halifax.
For more information about Ecojustice and its work, click on – Canada’s largest environmental law charity | Ecojustice
Photographer Tilly Nelson, set design Kendra Martyn & Kira Evenson
For related stories click on the following links – Youth-led challenge of Ontario’s climate plan goes before province’s highest court – Victoria Times Colonist
NIAGARA AT LARGE Encourages You To Join The Conversation By Sharing Your Views On This Post In The Space Following The Bernie Sanders Quote Below.
“A Politician Thinks Of The Next Election. A Leader Thinks Of The Next Generation.” – Bernie Sanders
Niagara At Large 
As a “Baby Boomer” I just want you to know that I do not support Doug Ford and his attack on our province and country. I actively supported other candidates during the last two Provincial elections.
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