November 9 2022

“Together with labour and civil society colleagues, NUPGE will be there to call for bold climate action that not just gets us to our climate targets but addresses inequities and upholds human rights.” — Bert Blundon, NUPGE President

Ottawa (09 Nov. 2022) — The UN climate conference known as COP27 is officially underway in Sharm el-Sheikh, Egypt. The 27th COP, which stands for Conference of the Parties, is an important time when countries gather together to advance and implement commitments on climate action.

NUPGE represented at COP27

Bert Blundon, President of the National Union of Public and General Employees (NUPGE), is attending as a member of the Canadian delegation.

“Together with labour and civil society colleagues, NUPGE will be there to call for bold climate action that not just gets us to our climate targets but addresses inequities and upholds human rights,” said Blundon. 

Advancing climate justice

Climate Action Network Canada (CAN-Rac), of which NUPGE is a member, has outlined its demands that focus on justice at COP27.

The network of environmental, labour, and social justice organizations is calling on Canada to show real solidarity and a commitment to climate justice and human rights. This means not just upping its own ambition on climate action, but supporting the countries and communities most affected by climate change impacts and supporting adaptation.

Just Transition for workers and communities must also be part of this. The Canadian Labour Congress in its Forward Together statement has called on Canada to commit to ensuring that workers benefit from the necessary changes to meet our climate targets and that workers’ voices are heard.

Following through at home

While COP is a significant moment for global coordination and solidarity on climate action, it is not the be all and end all of climate action. Countries, including Canada, must do their fair share and deliver on their commitments domestically between COPs.

Canada has positioned itself as a global leader on climate action. But it needs to walk the talk here at home. This includes meaningful follow-through on emissions reductions, phasing out fossil fuels, and implementing a Just Transition.

NUPGE and its allies will continue to hold the government accountable once it returns from COP27.

November 12 is Global Day of Action

The Global Day of Action is being led by the COP27 Coalition, “an African and Arab led, broad and inclusive coalition of groups with the key aim of centering climate justice and the voices of the most impacted, especially from the Global South, at COP27.”

The COP27 coalition is calling on civil society organizations and activists around the world to mobilize and to organize actions in their cities and towns on Saturday. The day of action aims to bring attention to the need for greater urgency from our leaders to achieve climate justice.