Hull-Aylmer MP Greg Fergus addresses the audience
by MacAndrew Clarke
On Thursday, January 14, at the Université du Québec en Outaouais (UQO), the Post-COP21 conference was hosted by Hull-Aylmer’s MP, Greg Fergus. COP21 refers to COP21-UNFCC which stands for the 21st Conference of Parties to the United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change. This event was organized in partnership with a regional non-profit organization called CREDDO (Conseil régionale en environment et development durable de l’Outaouais). CREDDO is a non-profit organization aimed at protecting the environment and promoting sustainable development in the Outaouais region.
By the time the event got underway, the hall was full with over 100 guests. The evening featured speakers representing the federal government, regional non-profits, and local youth organizations. From our very own environment minister, the Hon. Catherine McKenna, to Steven Guilbeault from Équiterre (a non-profit organization headquartered in Montreal aimed at advocating for environmental and social issues) guests were treated to an evening of sobering facts and green solutions/recommendations in an effort to truly address the ever present issue of climate change. Also, there were presentations from youth groups representing the Sommet de la jeunesse sur le climat 2015 (2015 Youth Summit on Climate Change). Their message was simple: everyone has a role to play in saving the environment. In addition to a video highlighting their work in the community (cleaning up litter, organizing and mobilizing other students to do the same), they reminded everyone that saving the environment meant saving their future.
That being said, while all of the speakers were proud to report on what happened in Paris, everyone echoed a note of caution by reminding attendees that success will depend on real teamwork and political will. However, the mood in the room was that of hope and trust since the previous government was noticeably absent from events such as COP21.
As the event drew to a close, Mr. Fergus, who is also Parliamentary Secretary to the Minister of Innovation, Science and Economic Development, stated that he wishes to host future town halls that will deal with topics such as immigration, the economy, and other issues that matter to people living in the Outaouais region.
About the writer
MacAndrew Clarke holds a B.A. (Hons) in Political Science from Carleton University. Fluently bilingual in English and French, he has several years diverse communications and marketing experience from within the public, private, and non-profit sector. He can be reached at: [email protected].