Seven Ontario youth are celebrating a landmark victory handed down by the province’s top court. The Court of Appeal ruled in favour of their youth-led climate lawsuit against the Ontario government. The ruling confirms that Ontario’s weak target is risking the lives and well-being of Ontarians.
Ontario argued that its climate actions were not subject to the Charter. This was completely rejected by the Court. The Court of Appeal has simplified the issues, shining a light directly on Ontario’s inadequate target and confirming that Ontario must conduct its climate response in accordance with high standards of the Charter. A new hearing has been ordered, and Ontario will have to answer for its record as a climate laggard.
The seven youth are optimistic and will push forward with the new hearing, with all the urgency the climate crisis demands.