Community Associations for Environmental Sustainability

Seniors for Climate Action

On October 1st 2024, CAFES gathered at Knox Presbyterian Church with fellow environmental organizations to celebrate the Mayor of Ottawa's proclamation of "National Seniors for Climate Day", presented by City Councillor and Deputy Mayor Laine Johnson. The day was hosted by Ken Johnson, and organized by SCAN! (Seniors for Climate Action Now), the Council of Canadians Ottawa, and GRAN (Grandmothers Advocacy Network Ottawa-Gatineau).

The event featured speakers from Ecology Ottawa, Horizon Ottawa, ACORN, Ottawa Renewable Energy Coop and CAPE (Canadian Association of Physicians for the Environment), including an inspiring speech by CAFES' Executive Director Angela Keller-Herzog. The event also featured musical performances by the Just Voices Choir and the Raging Grannies with Chris White. Community members in attendance were able to dive into meaningful conversations, sharing insights on how to advance climate action.

This momentous occasion was not limited to Ottawa; in fact, it was a nationwide celebration with 75 different events going on all across Canada (including David Suzuki attending in Toronto!). The National Seniors for Climate Day demonstrated the incredible climate leadership of seniors in Ottawa and beyond, and CAFES was delighted to be a part of the movement.


SCAN! is a seniors’ climate action group that aims to inform and mobilize seniors in an effort to prevent more climate catastrophes and protect the planet for future generations. SCAN! recognizes that climate action is also a demand for social justice and economic transformation as well as an opportunity to address racism, economic inequities and Indigenous solidarity. 

SCAN! convener and CAFES member Letitia Charbonneau shares that "the challenges we face in dealing with climate change can often feel overwhelming, but events such as these give us the motivation and energy to carry on and continue to help organize and mobilize seniors across the country. Knowing that ACTION IS HOPE is what spurs me to continue to be active and engaged."

SCAN! acknowledges the Ottawa Climate Action Fund for their generous contribution in supporting this event. For more information on SCAN! and the National Seniors for Climate Day, visit seniorsforclimateactionnow.org or contact ottawa@seniorsforclimateactionnow.org

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