Durban, South Africa – Members of the Canadian Youth Delegation
were ejected from COP17 today as Canada’s Environment Minister Peter
Kent delivered his opening address at the United Nations climate
negotiations in Durban, South Africa.
Just as Kent began his speech, six
youth stood and turned away from the Minister revealing the message
“Turn your back on Canada” prominently displayed on their shirts.
“Our so-called Environment Minister entered these talks by going on
record that he would be defending the tar sands. I have yet to hear him
say that he’s here to defend my future,” said James Hutt, one of the
youth delegates who participated in the action.
The six youth, including Brigette DePape (the “Rogue Page”) received
an ovation from the crowd watching the Minister’s address. They were
escorted out of the International Convention Center’s plenary hall and
removed from the premises at 12:30 p.m local time.
Their accreditation
was revoked upon their removal.
“This extraction-happy government hasn’t limited their reckless
behaviour the climate talks here in Durban,” said Tasha Peters. “Canada
has been called out for lobbying to lower EU fuel quality regulations to
allow the expansion of world’s largest and most destructive
mega-project – the Alberta tar sands.”
As the negotiations have progressed in Durban, Canada has won 12
‘Fossil of the Day’ awards due to their action in Durban.
Over the past
week and a half youth have challenged Canada’s irresponsible Canadian
negotiation strategies, indicative of the close relationship between
Canada’s climate policy and dirty fossil fuels.
“By stalling international progress, the actions of this government
put the future of our country and our generation in danger; we won’t
take that sitting down,” said James Hutt.
“As long as Canada is at the
negotiation table promoting industry over human rights, we will never
see the climate agreement the world needs. It’s time to leave Canada
behind.”
The Canadian Youth Delegation to COP17 is a united front of youth
from across Canada tackling the biggest challenge of our generation: the
climate crisis. Acting locally, provincially, federally, and
internationally, we combine our forces to educate and empower youth. We
represent the voice of Canadian youth at the UN Climate Negotiations.
For more information, see cyd-djc.org.
PRESS RELEASE
December 7, 2011
CONTACT Emilie Novaczek
Media Liaison, Canadian Youth Delegation to COP17
emilie@ourclimate.ca
Durban: 076.772.4054
International: +27.76.772.4054
