NEWS RELEASE
SIMCOE COUNTY ENVIRONMENTAL YOUTH ALLIANCE
*************************
During the development of Barrie’s Greenhouse Gas Reduction Plan, Barrie youth rally to demand that their voices are considered in climate policy.
On Oct. 17 at 1 p.m., youth in Barrie will be marching from Barrie City Hall to Meridian Place to demand city council listen to youth voices when making climate policy.
“We, the youth, are demanding not only to be heard, but to be considered,” says Emily Goodson, president of the Simcoe County Environmental Youth Alliance. “It is time that cities are held accountable for their lack of action on the climate crisis.”
The Simcoe County Environmental Youth Alliance (SCEYA) is a group of young people from across Simcoe County advocating for climate justice. They are organizing a climate strike in downtown Barrie as part of the #ImagineBarrie campaign, which seeks to envision what the future of Barrie could look like with real climate action, and to urge our government to take that action.
This event will bring together like-minded youth and allies in the community as we advocate for immediate government action on the climate crisis. Together, we will fight for youth involvement in decisions affecting us in the ever-near future.
This is a much-needed rally as the government refuses to prioritize public and environmental health. Unlike other issues, the climate crisis negatively impacts every member of a community. Some communities, particularly BIPOC, are disproportionately affected by climate change more than others, and it is our duty to bring this to the attention of the government and work to make immediate efforts to support these groups.
This rally will demonstrate that climate change is a critical issue which connects and impacts everyone.
“Youth are striking not because we want to, but because we need to. We can no longer sit around waiting for politicians to care. We need to make them care,” says Lucy Duncan, an organizer with SCEYA.
“Something that I think we should strive to accomplish is to be fully powered by green energy by 2030, it’s a big goal, but one that would create so much positive change and really push us on the right track,” says Kaylyn Wilkinson, an organizer at SCEYA.
This is one of the things that the youth at SCEYA are demanding of the city council, along with improving the city’s public transit systems and investing in BIPOC communities.
It’s time that government decisions are made inclusive to youth and community members, so everyone has a voice to create the future we want to live in.
What: This is a youth-led rally in Barrie demanding that youth voices be involved in the decision-making process regarding the upcoming Greenhouse Gas Reduction Plan. Youth will be advocating for their right to participate in addressing the climate crisis, and also ensuring that the government is committed to both immediate and long-term action regarding environmental issues.
Who: The rally includes Barrie youths and adult allies. It is being organized by the Simcoe County Environmental Youth Alliance (SCEYA). The Simcoe County Environmental Youth Alliance is a youth-run organization currently advocating for a voice in politics concerning the climate crisis.
When: The rally will take place on Oct. 17, 2021 at 1 p.m. EST with the march starting at 1:30 p.m.
Where: We will be rallying at the Barrie City Hall, then marching to Meridian Place for speeches and performances.
Due to COVID-19, we are asking all participants to wear masks/face coverings and social distance whenever possible. Safety is a priority, and we are committed to following regional/provincial guidelines to ensure the health and safety of all in attendance.
The Simcoe County Environmental Youth Alliance is a youth-run organization currently advocating for a voice in politics concerning the climate crisis.
**************************
