Canada Should Join the Late Jane Goodall in Taking Youth Leadership on Climate Seriously

Canada risks missing its climate targets and a democratic opportunity if it fails to take youth leadership seriously. Senator Mary Coyle argues that climate change is a test of democratic inclusion and highlights the Canadian Youth Climate Assembly as a model for informed, non-partisan climate deliberation. She contends that treating youth as partners in governance is essential to credible climate action and a stronger Canadian democracy.

Honouring Jane Goodall’s Legacy Through Youth Leadership

As people gathered around the world this Fall to mourn the loss of Jane Goodall, the renowned scientist who cared deeply about our planet and who believed in the power of young people, the ripples of a Canadian youth effort that is good for the health of our planet, our country, and our Canadian democracy were just gaining strength. Dr. Goodall wouldn’t be surprised. She would be cheering them on. Her Roots and Shoots program was created 30 years ago, inspired by her meetings with young people who impressed Dr. Goodall with their energy, their optimism and their willingness to tackle crises they didn’t create. In the over 100 countries that Roots and Shoots operates, Dr. Goodall applauds the abilities of young people to take initiative locally to protect the environment.

Canada’s First Youth-Led Citizens’ Assembly on Climate

On September 21st, 2025, in an historic event, the Senate of Canada, our country’s Upper Chamber of Parliament, hosted the 33 members of the Canadian Youth Climate Assembly. The Speaker of the Senate, Raymonde Gagné, was joined by 21 Senators and Members of Parliament as well as other invited guests, to hear the findings of the Canadian Youth Climate Assembly.
This was the first national citizens assembly on climate change in Canada, and the first anywhere in the world designed specifically for young adults aged 18-25.

Over 3 online sessions this summer, and 5 days in Ottawa, 33 young Canadians, selected through a civic lottery, came together to learn and deliberate on how Canada can meet its climate commitments in ways that reflect the values and priorities of their generation.

This is the essence of a Citizen’s Assembly. It brings together people from different backgrounds, provides them with balanced information, asks them to consider trade offs, and invites them to find common ground.
When we do this well, the country can see itself more clearly – its diversity, its aspirations and its capacity for agreement. This successful and consequential undertaking by Senators for Climate Solutions, Environmental Leadership Canada and MASS LBP reminds us that democracy is not a spectator sport, it is a living practice that invites people in.
Canada has a new government which will be expected to build a prosperous, forward – looking economy and a healthy, sustainable society. Canada’s 45th Parliament commenced in a context where the effects of climate change – droughts, fires, floods and extreme weather events – are growing more severe. The Canadian Climate Institute warned that the country is not on track to meet its 2030 emissions reductions targets.

The timing couldn’t be more appropriate to convene the Canadian Youth Climate Assembly.

What Young Canadians Are Asking of Parliament

Senate Speaker, the Honourable Raymonde Gagné, told the Assembly members:

“As parliamentarians, we have a fundamental responsibility: to reflect the voices of all Canadians. That includes young people. Your generation will live with the consequences of today’s decisions more than any other. That means your voices aren’t optional. They are essential. And let’s be clear – this is about more than consultation. It’s about real participation. It’s about bringing youth into the legislative process. Not just as advocates, but as partners.Climate change is one of the most urgent and complex challenges we face. It affects everything: Our economy, our health, our communities, our future. We need solutions that are informed, inclusive and grounded in lived experience.”

The word Parliament comes from the French word parler, to speak. The members of the Canadian Youth Climate Assembly were invited into the Senate chamber to speak, and the parliamentarians present promised to listen and act.

The Assembly members, in turn, spoke with clarity and care.

They said:

“We are coming to you from the most rugged wilderness of the Northwest Territories, the soaring mountains of the west, the golden fields of the prairies, the rushing rivers of Quebec, and the endless windy shores of the Atlantic provinces. We have our differences, but we all agree on the severity and urgency of the climate crisis. We have experienced firsthand the effects of climate change impacting our childhoods, our education and our careers and we know not enough is being done. That is why over 700 young Canadians applied to be here today. Our small sacrifice of our time and effort is because we are committed to seeing change.”

Their thoughtful recommendations include among others ; wanting parliamentarians to work across party lines on meeting climate commitments; building youth voice and perspectives into decision making; coordinated approaches to emergency preparedness across all governments including Indigenous; phasing out public subsidies to the oil and gas sector with remaining support tied to clear emissions targets; accelerating the transition to clean electricity across the country, strengthening interprovincial and territorial grids and investing in proven technologies; respecting Indigenous sovereignty and leadership and expanding mental health supports for Canadians experiencing climate related stress.

The final, comprehensive report of the Canadian Youth Climate Assembly was officially launched on November 6th, 2025, and can be found at www.climacan25.ca.

Jane Goodall said:

“young people are more connected, informed and equipped to protect our planet than any previous generation.” She very much saw young people as much as leaders of today in her 2017 interview with Jimmy Fallon. When speaking about young people she was emphatic in saying “They are changing the world- my goodness, don’t we need to change the world?”

From Listening to Action

The members of the Canadian Youth Climate Assembly have demonstrated their commitment and their leadership, it is now time for Senators and our counterparts in the House of Commons, to respond to the meaningful work of the Canadian Youth Climate Assembly.

As parliamentarians it is imperative that we channel Jane Goodall and take the work of the Canadian Youth Climate Assembly with the same level of seriousness and respect that she would. It will be good for our planet, for Canada and for our democracy.