Inspiring Municipal Action One Day at a Time

I wanted to take a moment to reflect on an incredible experience I had recently. On April 15th, 2024, I had the honor of being invited to speak on the ‘Increasing Affordability Through Municipal Climate Action’ webinar. Hosted by a coalition of leading organizations committed to local climate initiatives, the event was truly inspiring.

I was humbled to share the virtual stage with organizations like the Clean Air Partnership, David Suzuki Foundation, Tamarack Institute, and Climate Reality Project Canada, and Climate Caucus. Together, we delved into insightful discussions and actionable strategies aimed at tackling the urgent issue of climate change.

One of the highlights of the webinar was the opportunity to shed light on the Get On The Bus movement. At the 20:45 mark, I discussed how this initiative is not just about transportation but about building confidence and independence among students. I shared my journey in public transit, particularly focusing on the initiative we launched in Kingston to provide free bus passes for students.

During my presentation, I had the privilege of showcasing powerful testimonials from students who benefited from the program. Their firsthand experiences emphasized how access to free public transit not only made it easier for them to participate in various activities but also contributed to reducing our carbon footprint.

What struck me the most was how the program went beyond transportation—it helped nurture a sense of confidence and independence among the youth. “It’s not about how to get your bike on, how to stop, it’s about building confidence and getting them at the same time to learn together.”

It was heartening to see how something as simple as a bus pass could empower youth to explore opportunities and engage more actively in their communities.

Looking back on the webinar, I'm reminded of the power of collective action. It's through initiatives like Get On The Bus and the collaborative efforts of passionate individuals and organizations that we can truly make a difference in the fight against climate change.

If you're interested in learning more about my work or collaborating on projects aimed at driving climate action in your community, I'd love to connect. Each collaboration is unique, and I'm committed to tailoring my services to meet your specific needs.

Let's continue to harness this momentum and work together towards a greener, more sustainable future.

If you’d like to hear more about how Governance can impact municipal climate action, join the Climate Caucus’ next Climate and Affordability webinar on May 21st from 1:00 to 2:00 p.m.