The Canadian Youth Climate Assembly
On September 21st more than 20 Parliamentarians gathered in the Senate Chamber to hear the recommendations of the Canadian Youth Climate Assembly (CYCA) — the first national citizens’ assembly on climate change in Canada, and the first anywhere in the world designed specifically for young adults aged 18–25.
Over five days in Ottawa, 33 young Canadians selected through a civic lottery deliberated for 35 hours on how Canada can meet its climate commitments in ways that reflect the values and priorities of their generation. Drawn from nearly 700 applicants, members represented every region and the full socio-demographic diversity of Canada.
The Assembly’s recommendations include:
- Wanting parliamentarians to work across party lines to meet Canada’s international commitments.
- Building youth voice and perspectives meaningfully and continuously into decision-making on climate policy.
- Phasing out public subsidies to the oil and gas sector, with remaining support tied to clear emissions targets.
- Accelerating the transition to clean electricity across the economy by strengthening interprovincial energy grids and investing in proven technologies.
- Expanding mental health supports for Canadians experiencing climate-related distress and trauma.
- Respecting Indigenous sovereignty by ensuring Indigenous nations have leadership and ownership in land stewardship and the clean energy transition.
The Assembly was convened in partnership with Senators for Climate Solutions, co-chaired by Senators Mary Coyle and Jim Quinn, and developed by Environmental Leadership Canada and MASS LBP, a Canadian organization internationally recognized for its pioneering work in citizen deliberation. More info found at their website: https://www.climacan25.ca/
The Canadian Youth Climate Assembly joins a growing global movement of more than 170 climate-focused assemblies worldwide. For the first time, young Canadians have delivered their climate priorities directly to Parliament, showing how deliberative democracy can cut through polarization and focus on solutions that reflect the values of a generation.