Hi John,

During this challenging time, Canadians across the country are coming together and caring for each other in incredible ways - whether it’s staying put at home, offering to do groceries for a vulnerable neighbour, or having businesses switch up production lines to produce masks and protective equipment.

We are pleased to see the recent investments made by the federal government to protect and support workers, families and small businesses combat the effects of the COVID-19 pandemic.

But some big polluters are elbowing their way to the table to demand big bailouts - executives and lobbyists from the oil and gas sector and the plastics industry. Both are using this crisis as an opportunity to increase the size of the subsidies their sectors already receive, and push for rollbacks in climate protection and tackling plastic pollution.

We can’t let the federal government use billions of dollars to bail out industries that compromise a climate safe future, and contribute to the pollution and degradation of our environment. Now is the time to make investments which will increase employment, improve the ability of society to withstand future threats and help transition to a cleaner economy.

The COVID-19 pandemic requires government action to support workers in Canada - protecting and supporting workers and families should always be the priority.  Beyond that, we can’t let government support be at odds with our collective commitment to tackle climate change, fight plastic pollution, and protect clean water and nature.

With the right investments, we can build an economy and society that are stronger and more resilient than before the crisis began. Join us and act now!

In solidarity,

Julia Levin
Program Manager, Climate & Energy