This is the first lawsuit of its kind in Canada, a groundbreaking effort by young people to hold the federal government accountable for protecting their rights in the face of the climate crisis. The 14 plaintiffs in the La Rose case are demanding the government take stronger, science-based action to reduce greenhouse gas emissions and secure a safe, livable future. Yet in Canada, as in many other countries, governments continue to support fossil fuel expansion instead of doing everything possible to safeguard young people’s health, safety, and future.  

Unlike Mathur et. al. v. His Majesty in Right of Ontario, the La Rose case seeks federal accountability, urging the court to uphold Charter rights and recognize the federal government’s responsibility to fight climate change. Both cases are part of a growing movement led by youth to demand strong, science-backed climate action from our governments.

Efforts to hold the fossil fuel industry accountable are also on the rise – currently dozens of state and local governments in the U.S. are suing the fossil fuel industry for climate related damages. In British Columbia, West Coast is leading a campaign urging local municipalities to work together to bring a class action lawsuit against the world’s largest fossil fuel companies, which would be the first of its kind in Canada. So far 11 local governments have pledged their support. 

_{Photo credit: Robin Loznak / Our Children’s Trust}