“Ontario Activists Appeal Climate Challenge to Highest Court”

Young activists are seeking to revive their legal challenge against Ontario’s climate plan by appealing to the province’s highest court. Premier Doug Ford’s government created uncertainty by amending its climate legislation just before facing scrutiny over its weakened 2018 emissions target in court. Previous court rulings highlighted the significant gap between the target and the necessary measures to mitigate severe climate consequences, questioning the scientific basis. The government’s decision to remove the requirement to establish emissions reduction goals and update the climate plan was attributed to U.S. tariffs and economic concerns. Legal experts viewed this move as an avoidance of accountability by Ontario. The activists’ lawyer argues that the Appeal Court should reconsider the case to determine if Ontario’s climate strategy breaches the Charter, emphasizing the urgency of addressing the climate crisis. The province has been requested for a comment by The Canadian Press. The Ontario Court of Appeal is expected to review the case pending the submission of written arguments by both parties by April.