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Oakville seniors demand climate action

On October 1, 2024, Oakville seniors joined over 70 Canadian communities in celebrating the first National Seniors for Climate Day with a rally hosted by GASP (Grandmothers and Others Act to Save the Planet). Held in front of the Oakville Public Library’s central branch on Navy Street, the rally was part of a growing movement urging seniors to take action in protecting the planet for the well-being of future generations.

As one in four Canadians, the seniors hold significant political, economic, and social power — and they vote! Across Canada, seniors have joined this initiative, united by a deep concern for the legacy they will leave behind.  Their goal is to build a nationwide community of seniors dedicated to ensuring future generations inherit a livable world. With their collective responsibility, motivation, and commitment, these seniors are pushing for faster and more effective action. They believe that waiting any longer could jeopardize the future of their children and grandchildren.

“All over the world, the heating of our atmosphere is supersizing storms, floods, and droughts,” said Louise Brownlee, co-chair of GASP. “On July 16, the GTA received the amount of rain in three hours which is typically seen in a month. In Halton, this led to basement flooding in nearly 2,000 homes,” said co-chair of GASP, Louise Brownlee. “It was an expensive clean-up for the local residents. Right here behind the library, floodwaters even swept a dock—with a dozen boats still attached—down 16 Mile Creek into Lake Ontario.”

Brownlee explained that the community event coincided with National Seniors Day, a time traditionally spent visiting grandparents. This year, however, 70 groups of seniors across the country took to the streets to mark the launch of a national Seniors for Climate community, celebrating their shared call to action for a safer and more sustainable future.

According to Carole Holmes, GASP co-founder, the group is motivated by a deep concern for future generations. They want to see solutions implemented now to leave future generations with clean air, water, and a sustainable environment. GASP is a group of grandmothers and other seniors unaffiliated with any political party, calling for action to take responsibility for creating a safer, more sustainable world. 

“These pollutants are the primary cause of the extreme weather we are seeing locally and all over the world. It’s past time for a switch to renewables. We seniors have the courage and duty to demand a change,” said Brownlee.

Source: Oakville News