For Immediate Release | Check Against Delivery
November 14th, 2017
Mayor Crombie, City of Mississauga Launch Climate Change Action Plan Engagement
The following remarks were delivered by Mississauga Mayor Bonnie Crombie as part of the first Climate Change Action Plan stakeholder panel workshop currently being undertaken by City of Mississauga Staff. Mayor Crombie first raised the need for further local action on climate change in January 2016:
“Good morning, everyone. Thank you for being here for the inaugural meeting of the Stakeholder Panel to support the development of Mississauga’s first Climate Change Action Plan.
“Mississauga is committed to finding real solutions to address issues affecting our changing climate, and I am happy that you are here to work with us.
“We are pleased to have a cross-section of Mississauga’s community here with us today – business leaders, social innovators, decision makers and environmental stewards – all working together to define a common, resilient future.
“You represent Mississauga – a diverse and dynamic community.
“There is unrivaled excitement about plans to unleash the potential of our sprawling waterfront and safeguard our environment.
“Mississauga is home to people from every corner of the globe and all points in between.
“We are honoured and humbled to be the destination of choice for so many newcomers looking to make Canada their home.
“We need to do everything we can to safeguard the health and wellbeing of our local environment for present and future generations to appreciate and enjoy.
“As we look toward building Mississauga’s future, we need to think seriously about the environment.
“Cities account for approximately 70 per cent of all greenhouse gas emissions produced globally.
“We have to be part of the solution. Climate change is real. Severe floods and storms are costing communities, they’re costing businesses.
“I was proud to stand again with Councillor Tovey at the 2017 Great Lakes and St. Lawrence Cities Initiative Conference.
“We won unanimous approval to designate the Great Lakes, the St. Lawrence River and the Great Lakes and St. Lawrence River basin – as a UNESCO Biosphere Reserve.
“This designation would lead to the largest biosphere on the planet.
“We did it to help protect the Great Lakes and St. Lawrence River basin for future generations.
“Our work won cross border support from Paul Dyster, Chair of the Cities Initiative and Mayor of Niagara Falls, New York.
“In the fall, Members of City Council unanimously voted in favour of having Mississauga become a member of the Global Covenant of Mayors for Climate and Energy.
“By becoming a member of the Global Covenant, we’re furthering our Strategic Plan’s commitment to becoming a net-zero carbon city while sustaining a growing economy.
“The Global Covenant is the largest international coalition of its kind. Established by the United Nations in 2008, it seeks to demonstrate the global impact cities are making to transition to a low emission and climate resilient economy.
“We join other Canadian mayors including members from the cities of Calgary, Edmonton, Ottawa and Vancouver and the towns of Oakville and Milton.
“Our Visionary Action for the Green direction in our Strategic Plan is to ‘transform Mississauga into a “net-zero” carbon city to become a leader in green initiatives by reducing greenhouse gas emissions in our city.'”
“This past summer, City Council also endorsed the creation of a city-wide Climate Change Action Plan.
“Today, you are here to contribute to the development of that plan – an action-oriented plan to help minimize and prepare Mississauga for the impacts of a changing global climate.
“Councillor Mahoney will speak in greater detail about the climate imperative, and why it’s so very important that you are here today.
“I trust that you will enjoy today’s session – networking with others, sharing your bold ideas for our common future, and weaving these learnings back into your own organizational structures to strengthen our community at all turns.
“I look forward to seeing you again at our next panel meeting.”
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