Youth react to province’s repeal of climate law ahead of landmark court hearing

Ontario youth behind a landmark climate Charter challenge condemn the Ford government for fast-tracking a repeal of climate laws days before a court hearing.

Seven young environmentalists from Ontario, including Sophia Mathur of Sudbury, have been making global headlines since 2019 when Mathur v Ontario became the first case ever to argue that a government’s weakening of its climate targets violates Canadian’s Charter rights.

Just days before a critical hearing on Dec. 1, the applicants are condemning the provincial government for forcing through legislative changes to scrap the need for climate change targets.

The government’s fall economic statement included amendments to repeal sections of the Cap and Trade Cancellation Act, which aims to get rid of requirements to establish emissions reduction targets, a climate change plan and progress reports.

“Disappointingly, although perhaps not surprisingly, the Ford government has yet again chosen to pull out all the stops to avoid accountability,” said Fraser Thompson, a lawyer with Ecojustice.

Activist Shae Wabegijig said instead of dealing with the fact that the province’s 2023 climate target was inadequate, the province was going backwards.

“Instead of fixing it, the Ford government tried to run away from its responsibility entirely by removing the law that required them to set targets at all,” Wabegijig said.

“If the courts have said that this government needs to do more, we believe they should not be allowed to get away with doing less.”

CTV News contacted the premier’s office for comment and received a statement which said, in part:

“In the face of economic uncertainty, with President Trump taking direct aim at our economy, our government is taking a hard look at the unnecessary processes that have held us back and putting forward big and bold ideas to build an economy that is more competitive and resilient.”

Wabegijig said the province is putting the economy “above the very ecosystems that support life.”

“So this new development has, as well, strengthened my resolve and made me grateful that we are taking action to hold the government accountable in court for their obligation and their responsibility to protect the lands and waters, and in turn, the very people and generations that they’re supposed to serve.”

Thompson said in light of the repeal, the Dec. 1 hearing has been adjourned so both parties can agree on next steps.

He said they will propose a schedule for getting back before the courts as soon as possible, and he strongly believes the most recent attempt by the Ford government to have the case thrown out won’t work.