Montreal, QC – A coalition of more than 250 municipal leaders from across Canada is urging the federal government to prioritize infrastructure projects that directly combat climate change, warning that fossil fuel expansion risks undermining both the environment and Canada’s long-term economic security.
The coalition, known as Elbows Up for Climate, is co-chaired by Montreal Mayor Valérie Plante. It brings together mayors and councillors from communities nationwide, including Mayor Corrie DiManno of Banff, Alta., and Ottawa Deputy Mayor Marty Carr. Their message is clear: fast-tracking climate-focused projects must take precedence over fossil fuel expansion.
Prime Minister Mark Carney recently unveiled five “nation-building projects” designed to strengthen Canada’s economy amid an escalating U.S. trade war. These include the expansion of LNG Canada in Kitimat, B.C., a small modular nuclear reactor in Ontario, new mining operations in Saskatchewan and British Columbia, and other large-scale resource initiatives.
While supportive of building economic resilience, coalition members warn against doubling liquefied natural gas production and similar fossil fuel projects. Instead, they are calling for:
- A national clean electric grid;
- A Canada-wide high-speed rail network;
- Construction of at least two million non-market, energy-efficient homes.
“We can no longer think about the economy without also thinking about climate change,” said Mayor Plante. “One in four Canadians has already experienced the devastating impacts of climate change this summer — from wildfires and floods to deadly heat waves. Our communities are on the front lines, and we need the federal government to match that urgency.”
According to coalition data, 29 Canadian communities faced extreme heat this summer, 95 issued unsafe air quality advisories, 54 were affected by forest fires, and 37 were forced to evacuate due to extreme weather.
Plante emphasized that municipal governments are already taking proactive measures to protect residents. Now, she says, they need Ottawa to demonstrate the same commitment by investing in projects that “tariff-proof our economy and create a jobs boom in every community.”
The coalition also stressed the importance of collaboration between federal and municipal governments.
“We want to be a partner and part of the conversation,” Plante added. “Together, we can strengthen Canada’s economic sovereignty while leading the world in climate action.”