Grannies and friends flex political muscle at Oakville climate rally

Over a hundred seniors were in downtown Oakville on Tuesday (Oct. 1) to protest the lack of a climate plan by Doug Ford’s provincial government and its plans to build Highway 413.

Members of the Grandmothers Act To Save the Planet (GASP) participated in the “Seniors for Climate” protest happening in over 60 communities across Canada.

“Across the country, seniors are rising up,” said GASP on social media’s X platform (formerly Twitter). “We need climate action now.”

The Canadian-wide initiative, say organizers, displays the power of one of the country’s largest voting demographics to push political leaders at all levels to stop supporting fossil fuels, get serious about the climate emergency, and start implementing policies to reduce emissions now.

“Seniors are stepping up to show the power of collective action,” said Rolly Montpellier, national spokesperson and one of the central organizers. “We’re facing unprecedented levels of extreme heat, fires, floods, and other climate-driven disasters, all due to fossil fuel emissions.

“It’s time to end this cycle of destruction and not just commit to action, but actually deliver on it, starting with an emissions cap on high emitting sectors.”

Protesters in Oakville aimed their complaints at the Ontario Premier and his government and are asking residents to call their Members of Provincial Parliament (MPP), Members of Parliament (MP), and local councillors and demand action.

“Seniors need to defeat politicians who don’t have credible climate plans to achieve zero emissions by 2050,” said GASP. “What is Doug Ford’s plan?”

Protesters also voiced their concerns over the construction of Highway 413. The proposed 52-kilometer highway and transitway will extend from Highway 400 (between Kirby Road and King-Vaughan Road) in the east to the Highway 401/407 ETR interchange area in the west.

It will connect the regions of York, Peel, and Halton. The project includes a 4 km extension to Highway 410 and a 3 km extension to Highway 427 for a total of 59 km for the corridor.

“We need transit investments, not billion-dollar highways,” chanted protesters, who also held up numerous signs “Stop construction of the highway.”

“Later is too late,” read the motto.

Ward 1 Oakville Town and Regional Councillor Sean O’Meara attended the gathering.

“Great event to press for climate action,” tweeted O’Meara on X. “Led by #GASP (grandmothers for climate change). Great turnout today and an urgent message (is) being echoed.”

Seniors for Climate consists of six climate organizations all led by seniors, including the Suzuki Elders, Climate Action for Lifelong Learners, GASP, Climate Legacy, For Our Grandchildren, and Seniors for Climate Action Now (SCAN).

GASP is a grass-roots non-partisan community group committed to climate action and advocacy.