Thousands of people of all ages took part in a climate change march in downtown Moncton during the noon hour Friday.
Monique Laplante is with the Public Service Alliance of Canada and felt it was especially important to support the younger generation.
“The next generation coming up will certainly be more aware of the problems of our time. So I’m here today with the young workers committee,” and she noted how the timing of this event was critical.
“I think especially now during the federal election is a perfect time to show our politicians how important the issue is.”
Michelle says she wanted to help out with the cause which is why she participated.
“I think the environment is all we have and I think everyone should be here today.”
Joan says she’s been doing a lot of reading about the environment and is very concerned noting how we all need to care.
“We have a beautiful world and if we don’t look after it, we’re going to lose it… and that’s about as blatant as I can be.”
Guy felt it was important to attend to raise more awareness about climate change.
“Be aware globally to waste less resources so we can protect the planet for a long time to come.”
Many of the marchers were carrying signs and banners as they made their way from the Avenir Centre and continued along Main Street to City Hall where a rally was held.
Thousands participate in a climate change march in Moncton during the noon hour from Avenir Centre along Main Street to city hall. #climatestrikecanada #ClimateAction #climatefirst pic.twitter.com/04MNlOoaOc
— 91.9The Bend News (@919TheBendNews) September 27, 2019
A number of Moncton’s city councillors were on hand at City Hall Plaza to listen to and deliver speeches.
Councillor Paulette Thériault was among those in the crowd and says she’s worried for future generations and that we must change our habits.
“I think we need to be selective when we consume products, we need to be aware of what we’re consuming. We need to be able to say no. It’s not going to be easy but I think it can be done,” she says.
Councillor Susan Edgett says she’s never seen so many people rally outside city hall before and it’s important that residents get involved in things they want to change.
“Having people here today, voicing their opinion and the need to change is great. I mean, we need everybody to change. If we want more bicycle trails, we need everybody to start using their bicycles for example. There are lots of little ways that we can start making a difference here in Moncton,” says Edgett.
She says changes are already being made at a municipal level, including a single-use plastic bag ban which will be implemented next year.
Thériault says council is already being mindful of the environment and has an environmental committee.
But while they are making changes at the municipal level, Thériault says it’s a global issue.
“We need to work together though, all levels of government. Unfortunately, I don’t think enough is being done and hopefully with what happened today, everywhere in the world, those who lead will listen,” she says.
She is concerned about the future and says this is a conversation that should have happened 10 years ago.
Moncton City Council declared a climate emergency earlier this year and is one of numerous cities to do so across the country.
