Greetings from Kevin Lindsay, NCAH Board Chair
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Welcome to our short and sweet September newsletter! I don't know about you, but this month sure has been zipping by for me. I guess it's just general 'busy'ness of September and the resumption of school and other activities from which we took a hiatus over the summer.
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Of course, this Fall there's something else happening that's keeping a lot of us a little extra busy! Nanaimo Climate Action Hub is in the thick of preparations for our upcoming BC Election All-Candidates Forum: Tackling the Climate Emergency. By now you undoubtedly have heard from us, and many of you have signed up to attend.
Coming out to events like this and insisting candidates respond to questions about this most urgent matter is a significant action you, as concerned Nanaimo (and planet Earth) citizens, can take!
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Of course, amidst all concerns we have about ensuring we elect the right government to lead us through this emergency, it is important to take the time to connect with each other and to appreciate the living systems that support us. It was wonderful to do just that last Saturday at Neck Point Park at our Fall Equinox picnic. It was wonderful to see many familiar and new faces.
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As I mentioned, we have a short and sweet—but important—newsletter this month! Read on, and be sure to join in the upcoming events and actions.
In gratitude to all you climate leaders,
Kevin
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REGISTER TODAY — First Forum Just Four Days Away!
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We will be hosting All-Candidates Forums in two electoral districts. Read on to get details and to register for the event in your electoral district (of course, it is more than okay to attend both!).
Note: since our last email update to you, in which we informed you of Gwen O'Mahoney's (Conservative, Nanaimo-Lantzille) confirmed forum participation, we have received word from her that she is declining our invitation to participate. Also note that Dale Parker (Conservative, Nanaimo-Gabriola) declined our original invite due to a schedule conflict.
We are happy to confirm that the Green and NDP candidates are confirmed for both forums.
Should there be any new candidates prior to Sept. 28 (1:00 pm) nomination deadline, we will extend an invitation to participate in the forum.
Nanaimo-Gabriola Island (NAI) Electoral District:
Monday, Sept. 30th, 6:30 pm, Legion Branch 256
Attendance is free, register here.
Nanaimo-Lantzville (NAL) Electoral District:
Saturday, Oct. 5th, 10:00 am, Wellington Hall
Attendance is free, register here.
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Seniors for Climate Nanaimo Action - October 1st, 1 - 3 pm.
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Tuesday, October 1st is National Seniors Day, and on this day seniors from all over the country will take action for the climate! The action is organized by Seniors for Climate, and the goal is to "act on climate with actions that demonstrate our growing concern about climate breakdown and our desire to rebuild a healthy environment for future generations".
Here in Nanaimo, Council of Canadians Mid-Island Chapter is hosting a Rocking Chair Rally in front of Sheila Malcomson's office. Frances Deverell is organizing the Seniors for Climate event here in Nanaimo.
"Seniors in Nanaimo are an important voting block. We want our politicians of all stripes to know that we expect significant climate action now, including an emissions cap, help with retrofits and heat pumps for people with low income and people living in MURBS," according to Deverell. "We do not want public subsidies of fossil fuels or more pipelines. Keep BC’s grid green with investment in solar and wind."
Of Canada's seniors, Deverall also says "we dream of seeing our forests protected and expanded so that future generations will have a more stable ecosystem that keeps the water cycle in balance".
Details:
When: October 1st from 1 pm to 3 pm
Where: 103-495 Dunsmuir Street, Nanaimo BC V9R 6B9
Bring any chair.
Create a sign with your message on it.
Bring photos of your grandchildren.
Bring a cup of tea or something to share.
All are welcome!
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Key Messages:
· We want a liveable future for our grandchildren
· We are concerned about climate breakdown
· I want to create a healthy environment for future generations.
· We need action now. Later is too late!
· A Youth Climate Corps would empower the next generation.
· CAP GHG Emissions
· Conserve Energy
· Retrofits For All
· Green the Energy Grid
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Youth Climate Corps Action a Success!
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NCAH was proud to partner with the Climate Emergency Unit to stage a successful action during the recent Liberal Caucus Retreat here in Nanaimo. On September 10th, a strong showing of youth (and youthful!) convened peacefully and creatively outside the Vancouver Island Convention Centre to tell the federal Liberals that the time is NOW to fund a Youth Climate Corps. So, what's with the lemons?
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The lemonade sale was a good-natured poke at the government: “Do we have to sell lemonade to raise money for a Youth Climate Corps?” The ploy worked! Several prominent Liberal Ministers, including Steven Guilbeault, Minister of Environment and Climate Change, Members of Parliament, and staffers attending the caucus came over to discuss a Youth Climate Corps program. The program would train and employ thousands of young people in careers reducing greenhouse gas emissions, lifesaving community care work, adapting to climate change, and responding to extreme weather events.
Erin Blondeau, spokesperson and organizer said, “With yet another summer of extreme weather behind us, we need an ambitious program to support our communities while creating tens of thousands of good, green jobs.” See more photos and the full story here.
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We are repeatedly hearing a simplistic 3-word rhyme about the carbon tax. In fact, the carbon tax rebate is beneficial to lower-income families and it’s a proven strategy to reduce carbon emissions. Don’t be deceived by the rhetoric. Know the facts!
Check out this easy-to-digest assessment of what a carbon tax elimination would mean for British Columbians (compiled by Guy Dauncey, WE-CAN. September 25, 2024).
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Looking for an easy way to support Nanaimo Climate Action Hub?
We have an account with the Regional Recycling South Return-It Depot at 839 Victoria Road in Nanaimo. You can donate the money from returnable items by asking the clerk to credit the Nanaimo Climate Action Hub account. Thanks in advance for your support. It makes a huge difference!
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This newsletter is a publication of the Nanaimo Climate Action Hub. For more information, please click below:
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We respectfully acknowledge that we live, work and play on the traditional territories of the Snuneymuxw, Stz'uminus and Snaw-Naw-As First Nations.
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