New training program aims to support burgeoning climate advocacy in the Prairies (Press Release)

January 24, 2024 — The Climate Reality Project Canada is partnering with the Climate Justice Organizing Hub to launch a training initiative in local climate advocacy tailored to the needs and concerns of Prairie Canadians in communities across the region.

The first edition the regionally-based Advocacy Training series will take place from January 27 to February 25 with events in Saskatoon, Calgary and Winnipeg. The program is free, open to all and is accessible either entirely online or in hybrid format.

Led by Climate Reality Canada’s locally-based staff and network of volunteers, this initiative is an invitation to all Prairie Canadians concerned about climate change to join a community of advocates dedicated to advancing climate solutions based on scientific evidence, principles of justice and respectful dialogue.

The training program is part of an effort to build on community engagement and momentum around climate action already present in the region and transcend the divisive rhetoric and disinformation impeding the scale of policy action needed to address the climate crisis. Science tells us that we need to act quickly on climate change because later will be too late. Grassroots advocacy is essential in building the broad consensus for the change that is needed to fight the climate crisis.

Participants will learn the fundamentals of climate science, climate justice and climate solutions, as well as the skills needed to be effective climate communicators and community organizers in their local cities, towns and regions. The training provides opportunities for collaborative and experiential learning, both in person and online. The program includes live, hybrid events in Saskatoon, Calgary and Winnipeg, featuring workshops and presentations led by an impressive roaster of seasoned activists, researchers and experts, including Glenn Wright, Cameron Esler, Emily Eaton, Larissa Crawford and Walter Andreef . Participants are also provided access to articles, podcasts and video modules via a custom digital learning platform.

Prairie Canadians are invited to realize their potential as effective advocates for authentic climate solutions that are informed by scientific consensus and sensitive to local realities. Participants who complete 18 hours of training sessions and learning modules will receive a Local Climate Advocacy Certificate to add to their resumé, but anyone may participate as little or as much as they like.

SCHEDULE

Live hybrid events accessible either in person or online via video conference (all times are local):

Saskatoon, SK

Saturday, January 27, 8am–4pm, followed by networking event

University of Saskatchewan,

Education Building, room EDUC 2014

Calgary, AB

Saturday, February 10, 9am–5pm, followed by networking event

Scarboro Community Association

Winnipeg, MB

Saturday, February 24, 9am–5pm, followed by networking event

Sunday, February 25, 8am–12pm

The Leaf, Assiniboine Park

Registration at www.climatereality.ca/advocacy-training

For media inquiries contact Adam Sommerfeld, Director of Communcations asommerfeld@climatereality.ca

QUOTES

“Polls consistently show that people in Manitoba, Saskatchewan, and Alberta care about climate change and its impacts on their families and livelihoods. We are the world’s breadbasket and a crucial part of Canada’s economy. Every day I am inspired by the resourcefulness, resilience, and dedication of folks who are committed to taking action on climate change and protecting our lands and waters. This training is an invitation to join the community of dedicated people a working toward a more sustainable future,” said Adrian Werner, Regional Engagement Coordinator for the Prairies, and lead organizer of the Training. He is based in Winnipeg and regularly travels across the Prairies supporting local advocacy groups, including Climate Reality Canada’s network of Community Climate Hubs.

“Our goal is to support people in becoming active citizens in their cities and regions. This is what collective change is all about, local residents advocating for healthier, just and climate-ready communities. Advocating to city council, in their workplaces, sharing information in their communities, among friends and family. Catalyzing longterm change starts from the ground up,” notes Hannah Muhajarine, National Campaigns Manager, who leads the National Climate League, a citizen-led data collection project on municipal climate action. She’s a native Saskatonian, now living in Winnipeg.

“There is an incredible momentum building in the Prairies, propelled by Indigenous stewardship of the land and water. Right in ground zero of Canada’s fossil fuel extractive economy, people at the grassroots are organizing and advocating for climate change solutions that will truly improve quality of life for all. With our first Canadian regional training, we want to uplift their work, draw informed support for a rapid and equitable shift towards renewable energy deployment and worker requalification training. To put it simply, Canada’s ability to meet its commitment under the Paris Agreement is conditional on effectively training, empowering and supporting climate advocates in the Prairies. This training, cocreated with multiples regional partners, channels that momentum to drive real changes for our communities,” says André-Yanne Parent, Executive Director, The Climate Reality Project Canada.

“The disinformation flies as fast in Alberta as anywhere in the world but it never cuts through the unwavering fact that poll after poll shows a solid majority of Albertans want climate action and a Calgary Climate Hub commissioned poll shows we believe we are well placed to not only prosper from it but lead it. Like the rest of Canada, our leadership is far behind its people when it comes to the energy transition and addressing climate change,” says Steve Bentley, Digital Content Coordinator and one of the founding members of the Calgary Climate Hub.

“Manitobans, are concerned about the impacts of the environmental, social, and environmental impacts of climate change in their communities. As the Lead Mentor for Manitoba, I am excited for this event because it brings people from diverse groups, including women, and indigenous peoples in working together in strategizing towards moving Manitoba to become more climate resilient, and equitable for everyone. With this training you will learn the tools not only about the impacts of climate change, the solutions to it, but also help strongly advocate for brighter, healthier, greener and just Manitoba,” said Adam Johnston, Regional Organizer for Manitoba, Climate Reality Project Canada

“2023 was the hottest year on record, coupled with unprecedented extreme weather events. From an increase in health challenges associated with wildfire smoke to the significant infrastructure costs that come with flooding, Canada needs to do everything in our power to move swiftly away from our reliance on burning fossil fuels. Solu Solutions exist, now it’s time to mobilize to implement them and trainings like this are a key part of achieving them,” said Bethany Daman, Communications Manager, Manitoba’s Climate Action Team.

“The Prairie Climate Training comes at a time when people across the Prairies are beginning to make clear links between the climate, their work, their health, and their families. Despite this, governments are showing they only work for millionaires and fossil fuel lobbyists. We’re ready to rise up with our communities to win back our futures and build power together,” said Juan Vargas Alba, Prairie Organizer, Climate Emergency Unit.

“Beyond your backyard, our home is on fire – this is a citizen action call to unite in the face of a shared environmental crisis,” said Ines Sanchez-Rodriguez, Regional Organizer, Climate Reality Project Canada