News release
Vaughan, Ontario
The Government of Canada’s number one priority remains keeping Canadians safe and supporting families and businesses through the COVID-19 pandemic. Even at this time, work continues to help the economy recover, create conditions for new jobs, lower emissions, and make life more affordable for Canadians.
Today, the Member of Parliament for Vaughn-Woodbridge, Francesco Sorbara, on behalf of the Minister of Environment and Climate Change, the Honourable Jonathan Wilkinson, announced approximately $50,000 in funding through the federal government’s Climate Action Fund (CAF) to Earth Rangers Foundation, a kids’ conservation organization based in Woodbridge, Ontario with the mission of creating a generation of conservationists.
Through this funding, Earth Rangers developed The Big Melt, a podcast for youth about climate change. The podcast follows high schooler and host Sarah Marks as she breaks down the what’s, when’s, how’s and why’s of climate change, speaking to climate experts, Indigenous leaders, eco-entrepreneurs, and other brilliant minds that are reimagining the future. She also addresses climate change as the challenge of her generation, and talks through the pervasive feelings of eco-anxiety, helplessness, and urgency to fix the problem before it’s too late. Additionally, the podcast encourages conversation that will help inspire for youth to choose green jobs that will eventually contribute to Canada’s clean growth.
Climate Action Fund provides up to $3 million annually to support projects delivered by students, youth, Indigenous Peoples and organizations, not-for-profit organizations, small and medium-sized businesses, and research and educational institutions that raise awareness of climate change and encourage others to take meaningful climate action.
Quotes
“The climate action we are taking today will impact future generations, and stand as our legacy to reduce our carbon footprint. We encourage young Canadians to participate in climate change conversations and learn how to make a difference, and be part of the solution. The Earth Rangers Foundation project we are supporting is evidence of the climate action leadership taking place across the country that is helping Canada move towards a low carbon future.”
– The Honourable Jonathan Wilkinson, Minister of Environment and Climate Change
“We must all work together to fight climate change, create local awareness and protect nature in our Vaughan community and across Canada. Earth Rangers provides our children here in the City of Vaughan the ability to become directly involved in protecting the animals and environment they live in. This innovative organization is continually finding ways to interact and impactfully engage with our youth on these important climate issues.”
– Francesco Sorbara, Member of Parliament, Vaughan-Woodbridge
“The Big Melt captures the growing sense of concern, responsibility and activism towards the climate crisis among Canada’s middle and high school students. The youth featured on this podcast represent just a tiny sampling of the tens of thousands of inspiring young people across Canada working tirelessly to build a better future. It is critical that we engage youth in these important conversations, and we are thrilled that the Government of Canada is investing in this area.”
– Tovah Barocas, Earth Rangers Foundation
Quick facts
Associated links
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Contacts
Moira Kelly
Press Secretary
Office of the Minister of Environment and Climate Change
819-217-6218
Media Relations
Environment and Climate Change Canada
819-938-3338 or 1-844-836-7799 (toll-free)
Environment and Climate Change Canada’s Twitter page
Environment and Climate Change Canada’s Facebook page
