About the case

Our youth-led climate lawsuit, Mathur et. al. v. Her Majesty in Right of Ontario, finally reached its full hearing in the Ontario Superior Court on September 12–14. 

Ecojustice lawyers — representing seven young people — argued that the Ford government’s weakened climate target violated the constitutional right to life, liberty, and security of every person in Ontario.

As young people, they and others like them, will bear the costs of climate inaction more than previous generations. This case is a Canadian first and could set a vital legal precedent for climate action across Canada — not just Ontario.

Follow the story so far

Recap of our climate rally

On September 11, we held a rally in Toronto to show our support for the brave young people suing the Ford government. Thank you so much to all those who turned out, and for those who couldn’t make it, here’s a little video recap.

After three years of working on this case, it was an emotional day for many. On behalf of the applicants and everyone at Ecojustice, thank you for helping us get here.

Meet the applicants

“When I think about the future, I feel scared about how climate change will impact my community’s way of practicing our culture, teachings and our health,” says Beze Gray, one of the seven applicants. “We need to hold the Ford government accountable for upholding treaties and higher standards for the land and future.”

Find out what else drove Beze, Sophia, Zoe, Shaelyn, Shelby, Alex, and Madison to take the drastic step of going to court. 

Learn more about the applicants

The seven applicants in youth climate case, along with Ecojustice lawyers

Thank you for your support

Now we await the judge’s decision in one of the most important cases in Canadian legal history — and our lifetimes. We’ll be sure to keep you posted.