More than 250 mayors and councillors from across Canada, including three representatives from Durham Region, have signed an open letter urging federal party leaders to take decisive action on climate change and economic resilience.
The letter, addressed to leaders of Canada’s major federal parties, calls on the next federal government to respond forcefully to the dual challenges of climate change and economic pressure stemming from U.S. trade actions.
“We are mayors and councillors from across Canada, where we represent and serve millions of residents of all political backgrounds,” the letter states. Signatories say communities are already experiencing job losses, rising costs of living, and business uncertainty, while also facing increasingly severe climate-related disasters.
The letter highlights recurring wildfires, floods, storms, and extreme heat events, arguing that local leaders are on the front lines of the climate crisis and can no longer rely on incremental solutions.
“Leading through a climate emergency changes you,” the letter reads, pointing to heat waves affecting seniors, families displaced by floods and fires, and worsening air quality caused by wildfire smoke. “The time to act boldly on climate change is right now—because later is too late.”
Five National Proposals Outlined
The signatories outline five major initiatives they say the next federal government could implement immediately to strengthen the economy while addressing climate risks:
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Creation of a national east-west-north clean electricity grid
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Development of a national high-speed rail network, supported by electric public transit
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Construction of two million non-market, energy-efficient homes
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Large-scale building retrofits and heat pump installations
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A national climate resilience, response, and recovery strategy
The letter argues these projects would create hundreds of thousands of local jobs while using Canadian materials such as steel, aluminum, and lumber.
Funding and Pipeline Opposition
The leaders say the projects could be funded by redirecting fossil fuel subsidies and strengthening “polluter pays” policies. The letter criticizes renewed calls for pipeline expansion, arguing they require public subsidies, undermine Indigenous sovereignty, and contribute to worsening climate impacts.
Durham Signatories
The Durham Region officials who signed the letter include:
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Mayor Adrian Foster, Clarington
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Councillor Derek Giberson, Oshawa
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Councillor Margaret Zwart, Clarington
The letter concludes by urging voters and federal leaders to commit to national projects that protect communities, strengthen economic sovereignty, and prepare Canada for future crises.
These actions highlight why local leaders urge federal climate action to ensure Durham’s environmental priorities are addressed.
Photo Credits : https://durhampost.ca/elbows-up-for-climate-action
