Canadians are feeling the impacts of climate change, while Justin Trudeau refuses to take leadership

OTTAWA – Today, NDP leader Jagmeet Singh raised how important it is to help communities in the face of the ongoing flooding in B.C. In addition to calling on the government to invest in building the climate resistant infrastructure communities desperately need, Singh asked the government to listen to the dire warning from the Environment and Sustainable Development Commissioner’s report last week and finally take meaningful action on the climate crisis by cutting emissions and helping workers and communities transition into a low-carbon future.

“British Columbians are dealing with devastating floods destroying their homes and their communities. Canadians are struggling and they need the Liberal government to provide immediate help and solutions to tackle the devastating impacts of the climate crisis,” said Singh. “Last week’s report is a serious warning. There is no time to lose. Instead of empty promises from the Liberal government, Canadians want real action on climate change. They can count on New Democrats to get the results they need.”

Last week’s report shows unequivocally that the Liberal government will not achieve the climate targets they have committed to reaching. Under Trudeau, Canada remains the highest emitter per capita, and Canada is the only G7 country where emissions have risen since 2015.

Singh and the NDP have continually called for investments in a renewable future, with a focus on helping workers find good jobs in renewable energy and helping prepare communities in the face of the climate crisis.

“While Canadians have endured forest fires and extreme flooding in the past four months alone, Justin Trudeau keeps pretending to be a climate leader. He continues to give big oil and gas billions in fossil fuel subsidies,” said Singh. “What’s worse is that they have no plan to help workers transition to renewable energy jobs that will allow them to keep providing for their families while ensuring we are doing our part to address climate change. New Democrats have the courage to act. We can address the climate crisis while ensuring workers and communities have the support they need.”

Last week’s report reinforced the need for a national plan to help provinces, territories, industry, and the federal government meet Canada’s energy interests and needs while aligning with climate targets. The report also made it clear that a plan is needed to “shield workers and communities from the effects of an industrial transition."