On Friday, September 27, from noon to 1:30pm, the Mères au Front de Vaudreuil-Soulanges citizens' group took over Place des Tisserands, in Salaberry-de-Valleyfield. Their objective? To denounce bad political decisions on the environment, five years after the Great Climate March, in which young environmentalist Greta Thunberg took part in 2019. 

“We took part in this concerted provincial action, which was held in some twenty locations in Quebec at the same time. The event was called 'Ensemble pour la suite du monde' and was aimed at reminding the Legault government that there is a climate emergency as well as a social emergency,” sums up Linda Robichaud of the regional organization, which campaigns to safeguard and preserve the environment. 

For the uninitiated, Mères au Front de Vaudreuil-Soulanges is an organization dedicated to protecting the environment and the living for future generations. The movement was founded in August 2021, and has a number of actions to its credit, including the production of Chaises des générations, which have been handed over to many of the region's municipal councils.  

“Five years after the big march in Montreal with Greta Thunberg, Mères au Front has joined forces with 50 civil society organizations representing 2 million people to express its widespread fed-up with the government's lack of listening and insufficient progress on ecological and social transition. As in 17 cities across Quebec, we have come together to send a strong message to elected officials that we are fed up with bad political decisions,” she adds. 

During the speeches given at the event, Shantala, mother of Raphaël and Louka, mentioned that she “doesn't want economic development at any price, nor the appropriation of resources at the expense of environmental protection and growing inequalities. We're fed up, because real solutions exist.” 

For her part, Christine, added, thinking of her children Maude and Arnaud. “For several years now, civil society has been studying, documenting, consulting and agreeing on principles to achieve the ecological and social transition that is fair to all Quebecers. We're fed up because we want to work together for our children's future.” 

For her part, Martine, mother of Ève, Camille and Raphaël, also took the floor to ask the government to allow the population to participate fully, democratically in the energy, ecological and social transition.

In conclusion, Caroline, who gave birth to Mathilde and Raphaël, sent a strong message to the elected representatives in place. “Today, thousands of people are in the streets of Quebec to tell you, Mr. Legault, that there is a climate emergency and a social emergency! Listen to us!Together we can make it happen!”

In addition to the speeches, the event, which drew nearly 120 participants, featured musical performances.“A percutionist was on hand to entertain people, and there was an emotional moment when the author of a song written following the Great March with Greta Thunberg came to perform it.It was touching,” concludes Ms. Robichaud.Representatives from COTON-46 and MARE were also on hand.