Ontario Appeals to Supreme Court on Youth-Led Climate Challenge
Ontario seeks Supreme Court’s decision on youth climate case impacting rights
Toronto, Canada, Climate Change, Youth Rights, Supreme Court
Toronto: Ontario is reaching out to the Supreme Court of Canada. They want the court to take a look at a significant climate case led by young people.
This case is a big deal because it’s the first time in Canada that a court will consider if a government’s climate plan goes against the Charter of Rights and Freedoms.
Ontario’s lawyers believe this is a great chance for the Supreme Court to clarify what governments must do to tackle climate change.
Seven young individuals argue that the government’s low emissions targets threaten their right to life. They feel the province is committing to harmful levels of emissions that will impact their future.
Initially, the case didn’t go their way, but in October, they got a win on appeal. Ontario’s top court sent the case back for another hearing, keeping the door open for a possible constitutional challenge.
Fraser Thomson, a lawyer with Ecojustice representing the youth, says Ontario’s move could lead to a landmark hearing that defines a generation.
This news was first reported by The Canadian Press on December 23, 2024.
Jordan Omstead, The Canadian Press