Letter from the EcoElders

By: Eva Torn Thomas

Dear Friends who may have wanted a copy of the letter I wrote (with Rob Miller as editor) on behalf of the Eco Elders for Climate Action to Prime Minister Carney and the Parliament,

This letter was given to Michael Polanyi of the Seniors' Climate Witness Caravan to take to Ottawa along with some photos from the gathering at the Confluence, and is as follows:

Seniors' Climate Witness

Climate Caravans & Week of Public Witness and Nonviolent Action in Ottawa

Canada is at a crossroads. Even as fossil fuel-driven wildfires force thousands of people from their homes and harm millions across Canada and around the world, the federal government is planning to spend tens of billions of public dollars on new fossil fuel pipelines while backtracking on key climate commitments.

This September, Seniors' Climate Witness will bring together seniors, people of faith, and allies in a national climate witness culminating in Ottawa during the opening of Parliament. Together, we will call on the Government of Canada to reject new fossil fuel pipelines, uphold its climate commitments, respect Indigenous rights, and invest instead in a safe, clean and livable future for our children, grandchildren, and future generations.

Climate Caravans to Ottawa

East and West Coast Climate Caravans will travel toward Ottawa, connecting with communities and climate supporters along the way.

Starting in Victoria, the Western Climate Caravan will be launched by David Suzuki in Vancouver on September 9, before travelling east through Kamloops, Calgary, Medicine Hat, Regina, Winnipeg, Thunder Bay, Sault Ste. Marie and Sudbury, arriving in Ottawa on September 18.

Along the way, participants hope to meet with local climate and faith groups and hear from communities experiencing the impacts of Canada's worsening wildfires.

An East Coast Caravan will also travel toward Ottawa, creating opportunities for people in Atlantic Canada, Quebec and eastern Ontario to join the journey and help build momentum along the way.

Ottawa: September 19–24

Sept. 19 – Join the Global Climate March

Sept. 20 – Public witness • Nonviolent action training • Community gathering

Sept. 21 – Opening of Parliament • Public witness • Peace & Climate Rally • Training

Sept. 22 – Main nonviolent action Sept. 23 – Public witness • Media • Solidarity activities

Sept. 24 – Closing gathering Schedule is evolving and subject to change.

Why Seniors? Why People of Faith?

As seniors, we have a unique opportunity—and responsibility—to use our voices, experience and willingness to make personal sacrifices to help protect those who will live longest with the consequences of today's decisions.

Many participants are also motivated by faith and a commitment to care for Creation, seek justice and be good ancestors for future generations.

Join the Witness

Come to Ottawa for all or part of the week. Travel with a Climate Caravan. Help organize an event along the route. Volunteer. Donate. Or help spread the word.

Whether you are a senior, a person of faith, or an ally of any age, we warmly invite you to be part of this growing national climate witness.

Learn more and sign up here or donate.

Contact: [email protected]

Wishing happy trails to the travellers, and actually, all of us,

Eva Torn Thomas

See the original letter, here: We must act to protect what we love Agir pour protéger ce que nou