THUNDER BAY – Students from Superior Collegiate & Vocational Institute walked out of school Friday to raise awareness for climate change as part of Fridays for Future’s Global Climate Strike.
“It’s part of the global climate strike. So our whole goal with it was to bring awareness to it in Thunder Bay as well, because it’s our future and our climate,” said youth activist Anjelina Pathak.
“I feel like the government offices, they usually say a lot about what they’re doing and that, but you don’t really see a lot of action being put into place.”
The students convened in front of the office of Thunder Bay-Superior North MP Patty Hajdu where they demanded more action from the federal government.
“As youth, especially here, we know that we need to take action now to ensure that we have a future and we know that our government isn’t doing enough to ensure that us and younger generations can have a future on this earth,” said Tienchee Liu, youth activist.
“And as youth activists, we know how important it is for us to take action now.”
The high school students were quickly joined by students from Lakehead University who were extremely proud of the initiative taken by the younger students.
Hajdu wasn’t in attendance at the protest but released a statement shortly after, saying she supported the students.
“The time for climate action is right now. Our government is taking action, and has made historic steps towards creating a clean, green economy, so that our beautiful country is protected and healthy for generations to come. It is so inspiring to see a youth movement led by youth,” Hajdu said in the release.
“We are listening, and making major investments in clean tech, electric vehicles, Green Bonds, conservation and recovery, and sustainability measures in all sectors. Prime Minister Trudeau’s recently announced agreement with the NDP means our shared priorities and climate goals can be advanced with the support of elected leaders from coast to coast to coast.”