Insider Perspective: Unpacking the La Rose v. Canada youth climate case

At Surfrider, we have youth leading work to protect the ocean, beaches and waves on their campuses across North America, and we support youth education for clean water, plastic reduction, coasts and climate, ocean protection and beach access. So, we’re amplifying the landmark constitutional case La Rose v. His Majesty the King, which is being supported by our friends over at West Coast Environmental Law. On October 26, fifteen young Canadians will walk into a federal courtroom in Vancouver for the first national youth-led climate trial in Canadian history. The youth are arguing that the federal government’s own actions contributing to the climate crisis violate young Canadian’s rights to life, liberty, and security of the person under Section 7 of the Charter.  After a seven year wait, these youth plaintiffs will finally get their day in court.

We sat down with one of the plaintiffs, Zoe G-W., to discuss the case, her experience and insights being involved as a youth plaintiff, and what gives her hope.

Tell us a bit about yourself. When you're not working on the climate, what do you like to do in your spare time?

I am a third year Biochemistry student at UBC, so I spend a lot of time studying! Outside of school, I love to spend time outdoors hiking, running, biking, and swimming with my family and friends. I also love to read, cook, and try new restaurants. 

What's your favourite place outdoors in Vancouver, and what makes it special to you?

 My favorite place outdoors in Vancouver is Pacific Spirit Park at UBC. I love it because I have many fond memories of going for runs with my Dad and my dog, Winston, as well as walks with my friends. It’s a beautiful forest that sits in a more urban place, which is one of the best parts of UBC. 

What changes have you noticed to your surrounding environment and weather, how have you been impacted?

In the past 10 years, there has been unprecedented wildfire smoke that has greatly affected Vancouver in the summer. As a child, I never had experienced any kind of wildfire smoke, until 2017. In addition to wildfire smoke, I have experienced unprecedented heat domes, and heavy rainfall that caused flooding in Greater Vancouver. These heat domes also caused my school to close down, as we saw temperatures get up to 37ºC, which is unheard of in Vancouver. 

Can you share some information on the youth-led climate lawsuit La Rose v. His Majesty the King? Why is this month significant?

October is a significant month for this case as we are going to trial at the Federal Court of Canada in Vancouver. This is extremely important for the case, and is a chance for the plaintiffs to have our voices heard directly by testifying in court. It is also an amazing opportunity for the case to raise awareness and support, and I hope that people will come out in Vancouver and advocate for change. 

What made you want to join the case as one of the plaintiffs? 

I wanted to join this case because the more I learned about climate change, the more I realized that most of the power to change lies in the hands of the government. It became clear to me that policy was moving in the wrong direction, violating my rights, and I saw this case as a chance to make change, not just for myself, but for other youth of Canada. 

You were only 13 when this case began, what's a powerful insight or lesson you've gained over the last 7 years?

An insight that I have gained in the past 7 years is that people really care about what we have to say in this case. When I was 13, it was hard to grasp the importance of what we were doing, and how many people supported it. I have learned how important it is to speak up for what you believe in, even if it can be frightening at times, because it is the only way to incite change. 

How do you feel about the upcoming trial and what impact do you hope it will have?

 I am both nervous and excited about the trial, but I hope that no matter the outcome, we put pressure on the government to take substantial and science-based action against the climate crisis. I also hope that we are able to raise more awareness about the case, so that the public can support the case and take action in their own way. 

How can people support this landmark case between now and when the trial begins, and during the trial?

I think showing support to the plaintiffs is very important, whether it be personally or publicly. I also hope people come out and watch or come to the trial, as it will not only show support for us, but also show the government that people care deeply about this case. 

What would you like adults who are decision makers to understand about how young people feel and are impacted by the climate crisis? 

I hope that the decision makers understand that youth are the ones that will be affected in the long term by the climate crisis. We are the ones who have to grow up with it and deal with the messes that they have created. We are the first generation that has seen these intense impacts of climate change, and we know that the effects will only get worse if we do not act. We do not want to be affected by this for the rest of our lives, so youth must take action. 

What does an ideal future look like for you in Canada?

An ideal future for me in Canada would be one with clean air and water, where my children can have a childhood similar to mine, and not worry that their planet is facing an existential threat. I know this future is possible, but I hope that the government is willing to make the changes that are required to reach this goal. 

Spending time near the ocean and the coast, you get to see both what's at risk and what's worth protecting. What gives you hope when you think about the future of the places you love, and for your generation?

What gives me hope is seeing the work that my fellow plaintiffs and our legal team is putting into this case. I see how much we all care about the earth, and how we all want to be able to live on a healthy planet. Seeing the support for this case also brings me hope, and knowing that so many like minded people are fighting for the same cause is incredible. Although it is easy to be pessimistic about the climate crisis, I think hope is a much more powerful motivator to fight against the climate crisis, so I encourage anyone in this fight to find their own reasons to be hopeful. 

To learn more and support the La Rose v. Canada youth climate case, see the links below and RSVP to attend the rally on October 26!

• Classroom Discussion Guide: A free resource for educators to bring the La Rose trial into the classroom, for students in Grades 6–12. This may be of particular interest for the Surfrider chapter you mentioned that was affiliated with Mt. Doug high school.

• Sign Up for Trial Updates: Sign up yourself or share with anyone in your network to follow the trial as it unfolds.

• RSVP to attend trial / rally in Vancouver: If you or your colleagues/networks will be in Vancouver the week of Oct. 26 – please RSVP to attend via this form. (Note: We’ve learned that courtroom capacity will be more limited than expected, so we’re working on plans for a watch party across the street at the Vancouver Art Gallery – venue details to be confirmed & added on the website very soon!)

• Trial Headquarters: An online hub where you can find the latest trial information, resources, stories, and ways to get involved.