started · updated
Vancouver Federal Court hosts historic youth-led climate trial
A historic federal trial, La Rose v. His Majesty the King, has commenced in Vancouver, where fifteen young Canadians are suing the federal government. The plaintiffs argue that current laws and policies contributing to greenhouse gas emissions violate their rights to life, liberty, and security of the person under the Canadian Charter of Rights and Freedoms.
During testimony, plaintiffs described personal harms, including trauma from wildfire evacuations in Yellowknife and the impact of climate change on traditional practices and food security for First Nations communities. One plaintiff, Sadie Vipond, testified regarding the mental health toll and anxiety caused by extreme weather events like the 2013 Calgary floods.
Expert witnesses provided technical testimony. Professor Kirsten Zickfeld of Simon Fraser University stated that Canada has exceeded its fair share of its carbon budget. Meanwhile, Stanford University professor Mark Jacobson testified that a full transition to renewable energy in Canada by 2050 is technically and economically feasible, though social and political obstacles remain.
Entities
Canada · Federal Court of Canada · Kirsten Zickfeld · Mark Jacobson · Paris Agreement · Simon Fraser University · Vancouver
Claims
What the coverage asserts, and how many sources carry each claim.
- [● 2 SOURCES] The plaintiffs are seeking a court order for the government to develop and implement a Climate Recovery Plan. www.am1150.ca · www.myprincegeorgenow.com
- [○ 1 SOURCE] Canada is among the 10 largest annual and historical emitters of greenhouse gases. lethbridgeherald.com
- [● 6 SOURCES] Fifteen young Canadians filed a lawsuit in 2019 against the federal government. www.am1150.ca · lethbridgeherald.com · looniepolitics.com · www.brandonsun.com · www.myprincegeorgenow.com · +1 more
- [● 2 SOURCES] A Federal Court judge dismissed the original lawsuit in 2020. www.am1150.ca · www.myprincegeorgenow.com
- [● 2 SOURCES] The Federal Court of Appeal allowed the plaintiffs to amend their claim in December 2023. www.am1150.ca · www.myprincegeorgenow.com
- [● 5 SOURCES] The case is titled La Rose v. His Majesty the King. www.am1150.ca · looniepolitics.com · www.brandonsun.com · www.myprincegeorgenow.com · www.narcity.com
- [● 2 SOURCES] Professor Mark Jacobson testified that a transition to full renewable energy in Canada by 2050 is technically and economically feasible. www.brandonsun.com · www.narcity.com
- [○ 1 SOURCE] Professor Kirsten Zickfeld testified that Canada has exceeded its fair share of its carbon budget. lethbridgeherald.com