After seven years of determination, setbacks and legal battles, this historic youth climate case is finally going to trial!
On October 26, fifteen young Canadians will enter a federal courtroom in Vancouver for the start of La Rose v. His Majesty the King — the first youth-led climate trial in Canadian history.
Their journey to trial has been extraordinary.
The case was filed on October 29, 2019 and argues that the federal government’s actions are contributing to dangerous climate change and violating young people’s Charter rights to life, liberty and security of the person.
These young people are growing up with the consequences of a climate crisis they did not create: wildfires and extreme heat, flooding, threats to their health and disruptions to their communities, cultures and futures.
They are asking the Federal Court to hold the federal government accountable and order it to develop and implement a science-based Climate Recovery Plan capable of reducing Canada’s greenhouse gas emissions and protecting their constitutional rights.
In 2023, the Federal Court of Appeal unanimously ruled that the youth should have an opportunity to bring their constitutional claim to trial. They filed an amended claim in 2024, and later that year the Federal Court confirmed that the case would proceed.
Now, after years of fighting simply for the opportunity to have their case heard, they will finally have their say in court.
On October 26, the trial begins.
During the proceedings, the youth will share their experiences directly with the court, alongside expert evidence about climate science, Indigenous knowledge, renewable energy, children’s health, economics and more.
It is a historic opportunity to put the impacts of the climate crisis on young people — and the federal government’s responsibility to protect their rights — before a Canadian court.
These young people have spent much of their childhoods and teenage years fighting for this moment. Now we can make sure they don’t enter the courtroom alone.
Stand in solidarity with the plaintiffs
If you’re in Vancouver:
On Monday, October 26, supporters are invited to gather outside the Federal Court at Pacific Centre (701 West Georgia St.) before proceedings begin at 8:30 a.m. to cheer the youth plaintiffs on as they arrive.
Then, at 5:30 p.m. on October 26, join the Youth v. Canada Climate Rally outside the Vancouver Art Gallery (800 West Georgia St.) to hear from the plaintiffs and their legal team, alongside community voices, music and performances.
