Winnipeg climate groups issue 10-point mandate for election candidates

A coalition of environmental and community organizations in Winnipeg has released the ‘People’s Climate Mandate,’ a 10-point action plan calling for municipal election candidates to commit to specific environmental policies. Led by the Climate Reality Project Canada, the coalition developed the platform through consultations involving 24 organizations and more than 200 residents.

The mandate’s priorities include funding the city’s existing climate action plan, improving transit, expanding pedestrian and cycling networks, and protecting greenspaces. A significant recommendation involves addressing extreme heat through new bylaws, such as establishing maximum indoor temperature requirements similar to existing minimum temperature requirements for cold weather.

Advocates emphasize the urgency of these measures as the city approaches the October 28 election, noting that 2030 is a critical deadline for cutting emissions to mitigate the worst impacts of climate change. The coalition has surveyed registered candidates regarding their positions on these priorities and intends to publish the initial responses later this month.