Dear Fellow Taxpayers,

We, a group of second-year students at the University of Western Ontario, are deeply concerned about the misuse of our tax dollars to subsidize fossil fuel companies, which are among the leading contributors to climate change. As young adults with our futures ahead of us, we want to ensure that we inherit a world that is sustainable and habitable for generations to come.

Coming from diverse backgrounds and disciplines, we recognize the urgency of addressing climate change and transitioning to renewable energy sources. Our collective experiences and perspectives have brought us together to advocate for meaningful action to combat the climate crisis.

According to data from Environmental Defence (https://environmentaldefence.ca/federal-fossil-fuel-subsidies-tracking/ a trusted source that has worked tirelessly for over 35 years at the municipal, provincial, and federal levels to safeguard our environment and human health, the Government of Canada provided a staggering $21.198 billion in subsidies to the oil and gas sector in 2022. However, due to a lack of transparency and public reporting, tracking these subsidies remains a challenging task. This figure likely underestimates the true extent of taxpayer money being funnelled into fossil fuel companies.

We cannot continue to ignore the devastating environmental consequences of our dependence on fossil fuels. Climate change is already causing unprecedented levels of destruction, from extreme weather events to loss of biodiversity, and we must take urgent action to mitigate its impacts.

We call upon Ministers Steven Guilbeault, Jonathan Wilkinson, and Chrystia Freeland to prioritize the following actions:

1. End Fossil Fuel Subsidies: Immediately cease all forms of financial support, including tax deductions and direct spending, to fossil fuel companies. Our tax dollars should not be used to prop up industries that are driving us toward environmental catastrophe.
2. Subsidize Renewable Energy: Redirect subsidies towards the development and deployment of renewable energy sources such as solar, wind, hydro, and geothermal. Investing in clean energy technologies will create jobs, stimulate economic growth, and reduce greenhouse gas emissions.
3. Increase Transparency: Implement comprehensive reporting mechanisms to track and disclose all government spending related to fossil fuels. Taxpayers have the right to know how their money is being used and deserve transparency in decision-making processes.
     
   By signing this petition, you are demanding accountability from our government and advocating for a more sustainable future for ourselves and future generations. Together, we can pressure our elected officials to prioritize the well-being of our planet over the profits of polluting industries.

Let's hold our government accountable and ensure our tax dollars are used to build a greener, cleaner, and more equitable future for all.

Sincerely,

Adam Yuki Taylor, Charm Trautmane, Ramje Uthayakumaar, Tavishi Dhariwal 

Second-year Students, at the University of Western Ontario

London, Ontario

March 28th, 2024