In December 2024, the Northern Spirit Executive voted in favour of sending a letter of support to the federal government, calling for the creation of a Youth Climate Corps at the invitation of a young adult member of a United Church in Edmonton.
Hon. Marci Ien, Minister for Women and Gender Equality and Youth; , Hon. Steven Guilbeault, Minister of Environment and Climate Change
Re: Youth Climate Corps support from the United Church in northern Alberta, Northeast BC, and Yellowknife.
Dear Ministers,
Northern Spirit Regional Council of the United Church of Canada writes to you as one of the signatories on a published open letter calling on the federal government to act on a Youth Climate Corps.
As a denomination, we prioritise both climate justice and support for youth and young adults. As such, we believe it is time to create an audacious and compelling new public program that mobilizes tens of thousands of young people to confront the climate emergency – this defining generational challenge – while creating good, green jobs.
Our support stems from experience, faith, and carefully considered policies. In July of 2024, we watched in horror as yet another wildfire of historic intensity and speed consumed much of Jasper AB. This included Jasper United Church’s church building and housing; for the first time in our nearly 100-year history, we lost both an active church building and its manse. The trauma and destruction will continue to make their impact on the community for years to come, even as community members speak of the hope they have found in support from relief groups and the country as a whole. Here we can readily see the positive impact a Youth Climate Corps could have.
When we consider previous fire-related crises our congregations and the communities they serve have faced, we have good reason to support a program that puts young people to work in good, green jobs that reduce greenhouse gas emissions, strengthen our communities, and protect biodiversity, so we can take care of each other and live in dignity and safety.
On the eve of an election year, we feel it is time for the federal government to show real leadership and commit to the type of programs that would make a meaningful difference in the lives of youth and communities across the country. We support the YCC campaign and allies across the country: the time to act and create transformational policy is now.
We look forward to your response and to continuing the conversation.
Rev Leigh Sinclair, chairperson, Northern Spirit Regional Council.
