This is not just a petition update.

This is my message of hope and love for our environment. There are now over 11,000 of us who decided to take a stand and we are growing. My sincere thanks to every single one of my fellow concerned citizens who have signed this petition. We are a growing group of Canadians and friends from around the world who have decided to make some noise. We all agree that enough is not being done to address the climate emergency in our beautiful country and beyond. 

This is a wake-up call. We need a national strategy and we need to acknowledge that our house is on fire and that this is truly an emergency, instead of accepting this as our new normal. Whatever has been considered the normal reaction to forest fires is no longer working. 

Just look at this August 9th report on wildfires in Canada. Canadian Wildfire Update of the 703 fires burning, only 204 are under control. This has been going on for months. This is a major failure and we need to hold ALL politicians accountable. If you haven’t yet, please consider signing up for the Elizabeth May newsletter. She is one politician who is making a positive difference and doing all she can to support a federal climate strategy. 

The artwork attached to this message is my own painting from my “Forest Love” series. I have been reflecting on my love of forests and wildlife. What sparked this petition in the first place, was my own feeling of hopelessness. Those days back in June when the wildfire smoke was burning my eyes and lungs while I was in my backyard garden in Toronto. The feeling that there was no escape, the entire province of Ontario was polluted and I couldn’t breathe. 

Today I am feeling hope through action. I’m seeing signs in the news that indicate more people like us are being inspired to make a positive difference. I am an artist and I’ve chosen to paint hopeful images in this time of crisis. I believe there is hope and that the next generations will continue to do better. For now, I ask you to share this petition, contact your local politicians, make some noise and post your own messages of hope in the comments. I will continue to take action and follow up with my local politicians. Stay tuned for more updates 

Thanks for your support.

Jennifer Claveau