On May 13, 2019 I give a Member Statement in honour of the real climate leaders of our time:
Jenny Kwan (NDP) Vancouver East, BC
"Mr. Speaker, today I would like to show parliamentarians what leadership looks like.
Under the guidance of Ms. Gina, the grades six and seven students at Hastings school organized an amazing assembly to celebrate Earth Day. This project included a beautiful art piece of the Earth, with a handprint of each student that delivered his or her message on how to save the Earth.
The students are gripped with the most important issues of their generation: climate catastrophe, species at risk and forced migration. These young engaged citizens want actions and solutions. They want us to “Keep fossil fuels in the ground (coal, oil and gas).”
Like the students at Hastings, thousands of students took part in the climate strike on May 3. Their demands are clear: a 65% emissions reduction by 2030; the separation of oil and state; a just transition; the right to a safe environment; indigenous rights; conserve biodiversity; and, the protection of vulnerable groups.
It is time to put “Planet before profit. To stop pollution, we are the solution.” In other words, we need a green new deal now."
On April 20th MP Jenny Kwan spoke in support of Bill C-226 for a national food price transparency, and commented on NDP calls for banning surveillance pricing; excess profit taxes on grocery giants; stronger competition enforcement; measures to break up corporate concentration in the food supply chain, and a public option for groceries.
