To: The Mayor and Council of Participating Member Municipalities

Subject: Petition to Withdraw from Externally Driven Climate Action Plans and Programs such as the Partners for Climate Protection Program

Whereas, climate action plans and programs, including those facilitated by the Federation of Canadian Municipalities (FCM), ICLEI, and similar organizations, are voluntary initiatives that aim to align municipal actions with global climate targets.

These programs involve a series of milestones, including extensive data collection, setting reduction targets, creating climate action plans, adopting these plans, and monitoring progress—often incurring significant local costs and potentially impacting community priorities;

Whereas, these climate action programs raise several concerns:

Privacy and Data Collection: Extensive data collection through third-party organizations, consultants, or staff, raising questions about privacy, data security, and resident consent;

Financial Burdens: High costs associated with mandates for electric vehicle fleets, energy audits, infrastructure upgrades, and other compliance requirements, which may necessitate tax increases or divert funds from essential local services;

Local Autonomy: Heavy reliance on external guidelines, standards, or goals set by national or international bodies, which may limit local control and discourage community-driven, locally relevant solutions;

Impacts on Rural and Urban Balance: A focus on urban-centric solutions that may favor high-density development, drive rural-to-urban migration, and strain local housing and infrastructure, ultimately disadvantaging rural communities;

Economic Impacts: Regulations and mandates can increase housing and construction costs, limit small business growth, and impose pressures on local industries such as agriculture;

Whereas, these climate action plans may not fully consider the unique needs, priorities, and capacities of Canadian municipalities, potentially diverting resources from more pressing local priorities and community-centered environmental stewardship initiatives tailored to local climates;

Whereas, all financial and legal liability associated with these climate action plans is placed solely on participating municipalities, making local councils responsible for any costs, risks, or unintended consequences arising from implementation;

Whereas, residents of this municipality believe that environmental policies and initiatives should prioritize community well-being, transparency, affordability, and practical solutions that reflect local needs and conditions;

Therefore, We, the undersigned, respectfully request that our Municipal Council take the following actions:

Withdraw from Externally Driven Climate Action Plans and Programs, ending participation in any program or partnership that mandates compliance with global or external climate targets, milestones, or requirements that do not serve the specific needs of our community.

Pursue Locally-Driven Environmental Initiatives that align with community values and priorities, emphasizing voluntary and practical measures such as:

Tree Planting and Green Space Development
Local Food Production
Waste Management Programs
Hazardous Waste Drop-Offs
Practical Water Conservation Initiatives
Practical Transportation Options

Ensure Transparency and Public Involvement in all future environmental initiatives, including regular community consultations and public updates on proposed projects, associated costs, and anticipated impacts. This will help build public trust and enable residents to contribute to and guide our region’s environmental goals.

By signing this petition, we express our support for our municipality to withdraw from externally driven climate action programs and redirect efforts toward locally accountable, practical environmental initiatives that best serve our community’s unique needs and values.