What do we mean when we say we want a “Green New Deal for Canada?”

Last December, 350.org launched something we called the Good Work Guarantee. It laid out what, at the time, our team saw as key pieces of a Green New Deal of Canada. Since then, the conversation around what a Green New Deal for Canada looks like has evolved, with more movements and groups bringing their visions, hopes and energy to the conversation.

With that, our own vision of a Green New Deal for Canada has also evolved and grown. So, what do we mean when we talk about a “made-in-Canada” Green New Deal?

First, we think that a Green New Deal for Canada needs to achieve four goals:

1. It meets the scale and urgency of the climate crisis, listening to and basing it’s prescriptions for climate action on the best available science.
2. It creates millions of good jobs through a historic economic mobilization to get Canada to 100% renewable energy that works for everyone.
3. It enshrines dignity, justice & equity for all, ensuring climate solutions are solutions that lift up all communities and reflect that reality that frontline, marginalized and Indigenous communities are bearing the brunt of fossil fuel and climate impacts.
4. It works in service of real reconciliation — respecting the rights, title and sovereignty of Indigenous Peoples.

To meet these goals, we have four specific policy ideas that we think should be in a Green New Deal for Canada.

1. A freeze on fossil fuel expansion. We can’t solve the climate crisis and keep making it worse at the same time.
2. Massive government infrastructure investments. We need to rapidly expand public investment in renewable energy, public transit and other projects that serve both climate action and the public good. .
3. Provide a federal job guarantee to ensure that the labour force necessary for rapid change is available, and that all people are guaranteed meaningful and dignified employment or income — with no worker left behind.
4. A commitment that a Green New Deal for Canada works in service of reconciliation with Indigenous Peoples and upholds principles of justice, equity and dignity for all. For example, by implementing the United Nations Declaration on the Rights of Indigenous Peoples, in particular the right to Free, Prior and Informed Consent and self-determination for Indigenous peoples.

We also know that these goals and policies do not make up the entirety of a Green New Deal for Canada. That’s why we’re working with allies from across different communities, causes and movements to fight for a broad, transformative vision for a massive economic and social mobilization to tackle the climate crisis. As the movement for this grows, we look forward to building this visions together. Here’s two ways to learn more:

1. Watch this panel from PowerShift:Young and Rising where leaders from across movements in Canada talk about a Green New Deal for Canada.
2. Click here and sign up, then you’ll be the first get updates about our, and our allies, work on a Green New Deal for Canada.