***Please note: the Press Conference is open only to accredited members of the media. Please bring work identification. General public will be turned away.***
On Sunday, Sep. 11, seven diverse young people represented by Ecojustice will be in Toronto to host a day of action in advance of a historic hearing at Ontario Superior Court on Monday, Sep. 12 in the Mathur et. al. climate charter case.
Launched in 2019, the case is the first climate lawsuit in Canada based on charter rights to reach a full hearing. If successful, the case would establish that when government action adds to the climate crisis, they are violating the Charter of Rights and Freedoms – setting an important and impactful precedent. The lawsuit is part of an international youth movement using the legal system to secure a safe climate future.
At 12 noon, the youth applicants and their lawyers will host a press conference at Hart House outlining their reasons for taking the case. Immediately following, the youth applicants will lead a peaceful public rally on the south lawn of Queen’s Park beginning at 2pm. Each will speak to their own personal story and the stakes of the climate crisis and this case. Hundreds of young people across the GTA have RSVP’d to attend and we expect the mood to be festive and determined.
We invite media to attend and cover these events. Full information below:
Press Conference – Sunday, September 11, 12PMET
Who is speaking: Youth applicants and their lawyers to give remarks. Full media availability for questions to follow.
Where: Hart House, 7 Hart House Cir, Toronto, ON M5S 3H3. Use the East Entrance.
How: In person attendance or virtual. Seating and risers are available for cameras on site. If audio feed to cameras is needed, please arrive no later than 11.30am ET for technical set-up. To attend virtually, join at this Zoom link at 11:30 EDT. Please use the raise hand feature on zoom to indicate you’d like to ask a question.
Additional: Youth applicants and lawyers available for short one-on-one interviews at Hart House post-press conference. Refreshments and light snacks available.
“Rally for the Climate” – Sunday September 11, 2PMET
Who is speaking: Youth applicants and speakers from Indigenous Climate Action will give rousing speeches.
Where: South Lawn of the legislature, Queen’s Park, Toronto, ON M7A 1A2
How: In-person attendance. Designated spot for stationary cameras.