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Welcome to the WE-CAN Climate News Roundup
Your Primary Source for CLIMATE NEWS
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Stay Connected. Be Inspired. Get Involved.
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Stay Connected. Be Inspired. Get Involved.
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Top Story
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British Columbians Overwhelmingly Want Government to Build New Renewable Projects Over Natural Gas
From Clean Energy Canada: Plus, more than three-quarters support the construction of renewable power within their communities, with support rising further if local benefits are provided. View poll results here.
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Action Now!
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The Federal Budget is Coming this Fall. It Must Fund Climate Solutions.
From David Suzuki Foundation: Budgeting is about choices, and Budget 2026 will be consequential: will the government choose to double down on expensive, polluting fossil fuels, or invest in the future-facing solutions our communities need? Send a letter here.
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SEND YOUR MP A MESSAGE: STOP THE MONEY PIT PIPELINE
The federal government has officially designated Danielle Smith’s proposed Pacific Link Pipeline - aka the Money Pit Pipeline - as a “Project of National Interest” (PONI), lining up a staggering $43 billion (at least) of potential public money to gamble on a dying fossil fuel industry. Send a letter here.
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Petition PM Carney for a Build Canada Stronger Climate Program
From Vancouver Unitarians Environment Team: We focus a lot on what we are against – pipelines, tar sands mines, LNG terminals, etc. What we are for is emphasized in the Parliamentary e-petition to PM Carney to create and implement a Build Canada Stronger Climate Program. Sponsored by Elizabeth May. Click here to sign.
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Tell Chase, Bank of America, and Citi: Stop Bankrolling Amazon Destruction!
From Rainforest Action Network: The Amazon’s defenders are holding the line against destructive soy expansion. But after major soy traders abandoned a critical rainforest safeguard, Chase, Bank of America, and Citi kept the money flowing. Take action here.
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Climate in the Ridings - Local Climate Advocacy
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From Avi Dolgin, WE-CAN: We need Riding Link people in every riding to help others arrange climate meetings with your MLA or MP. Watch the Launch Meeting here. Watch the “How to Meet your MLA” video here. Sign up here and we will connect you with others in your riding. When we're silent, it's easier for the politicians to ignore climate issues. Learn more here
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WE-CAN Friends and Allies
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BC Municipal Election Results for Climate-Friendly Leadership
This information has been gathered from a variety of people reporting on local outcomes.
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- Vancouver - The new Mayor Pete Fry and 9/10 of the councillors are climate leaders.
- From Seth Klein: Vancouver has re-secured its climate leadership. Read more
- North Vancouver: 3/9 climate leaders. Climate leader Jessica McIlroy lost her seat.
- Nanaimo - It looks as if there will be 6 environmentally-minded councillors out of 9.
- North Cowichan - All 7/7 of mayor and councillors are progressive.
- Victoria - Some point out that 8 of the 9 shared climate commitments at Vote4Tomorrow. Others say that looks like a 5/4 split for most climate issues.
- Victoria School Board #61. Climate leader Trevor Barry was elected.
- Oak Bay - Looking good. The elected candidates pledged support for climate actions like ZCSC, restoring urban watersheds, natural asset management programs, and active transportation. Oak Bay Vote4Tomorrow
- Esquimalt - The new mayor Duncan Cavens is a climate leader.
- View Royal - The new mayor Volker Dammann is a climate leader.
- Central Saanich - The new mayor Zeb King is a climate leader.
- Colwood - Looking positive
- Highlands - The new mayor Gord Baird is a climate leader.
- Metchosin - The new mayor Steve Gray is a climate leader.
- Langford 😢 Climate champion Mary Wagner lost. Stew Young, gung-ho pro-development past mayor re-elected.
- Sooke 😢 All climate leaders lost to a 6-person pro-development, anti-environment slate.
- Saanich 😢 Only two strong climate champions, Natalie Chambers & Teale Phelps-Bondaroff. 6-person not-climate-friendly slate elected.
- Richmond 😢 Climate leader Michael Wolfe re-elected as councillor. Otherwise, 2/9
- Mission 😢
- New Westminster 😢
- Port Moody 😢 Only 2/7 Climate-friendly Council
- Peachland - Looks like 5/7 mayor and councillors will be progressive
- Whistler - Looking good. Should be stronger on climate than before
- Kitimat - Ankur Patel elected councillor, nurse, member of Canadian Association of Nurses for the Environment
- Penticton - one climate leader elected, Isaac Gilbert
- Nelson - looking good, 5/7
- Kelowna - The mayor and 6/8 councillors are climate-friendly
- Regional District Central Kootenay - Looking good
WE-CAN is Now a Charity!
After two years of persistence, WE-CAN is now a registered charity. This means (a) that we will be able to seek funding for projects from foundations whose doors were previously closed to us, and (b) that all your donations will now receive a charitable receipt that you can claim against taxes. Yea! If you feel inspired to contribute, click here to make a donation.
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Meet Sofia Gobin, Our New Newsletter Editor!
From WE-CAN: After almost six years, Guy Dauncey has stepped down as the editor of our weekly newsletter. So please welcome Sofia Gobin, our new editor! (Above) A McGill political science graduate from Vancouver, Sofia focuses on reporting on local news and mobilizing the community through environmental events and protest coverage. In her downtime she enjoys hiking, biking, and catching a movie. To contact her, email news@westcoastclimateaction.ca
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Check Out this Great Reel for Our WE-CAN Newsletter
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From WE-CAN: Thanks to Alejandra Gonzalez for producing it. Check it out here!
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And Check Out the New Streeter Video From the BC Climate Emergency Campaign
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Watch the new short video here, and share it around.
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October 24 BC Provincial Election
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Transit in the Provincial Election — Issues & Questions for Your Candidates
From Public Transit Alliance BC: All three levels of government affect public transit: local and regional governments plan and share in funding of local transit services; the provincial government funds transit services through BC Transit. Read more here.
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BC Voter Guide 2026: Gen Squeeze
From Generation Squeeze: BC’s unexpected snap election leaves parties little time to prepare comprehensive, costed platforms. We recognize that constraint. But voters still deserve clear commitments explaining what’s promised, what it costs, and who will pay. Read more here.
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Lowan Launches Greens Economic Vision for B.C.
From Victoria News: The four areas include stronger regional economies, abundant clean power, more value made in B.C. and a tax system where the ultrawealthy and the largest corporations pay their fair share, says a summary of the plan from the party. Read more here.
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Climate Issues are Taking a Back Seat in B.C.’s Election
Analysis from the Narwhal: The NDP offers nothing new. The Conservatives aren’t talking. And the Greens are climate-focused but unlikely to form B.C.’s next government. Read more here.
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Climate Solutions
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Eight Projects that Prove Community Finance Can Power the Energy Transition
From Corporate Knights: From wind and solar to energy retrofits, community financing has demonstrated its capacity to finance important low-carbon projects. Read more here.
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What Is Sustainable Tourism? Why Does It Matter More Than Ever?
Pillars of Sustainable Tourism, Real-world Examples, Challenges & Opportunities in Sustainable Tourism, Recommendations for Policymakers, Tourism Businesses, Tourism Bodies, and Travellers. Read more here.
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Climate Network Maps – 110 Clean Energy Projects as an Alternative to Pipeline-Focused Nation-Building
As Ottawa and the provinces debate pipelines, Climate Action Network Canada, a coalition of just under 200 organizations, is pointing to a different kind of nation-building. Read more here.
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Teenagers Worldwide Are Tackling the Plastics Crisis
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From Michaela Haas: What if the most effective solutions to plastic pollution came from the people who will live longest with its consequences? Read more here.
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Join the Movement. Fuel the Change. The climate crisis won’t wait — and neither can we. At the West Coast Climate Action Network, we connect with and support nearly 300 climate organizations across BC. Together, we amplify impact, share resources, and drive urgent change.
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But we can’t do it without you!
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By becoming a monthly donor, you provide steady and reliable support that sustains the climate movement throughout the year. Your contributions fund vital coordination, advocacy, events, and tools — empowering people and organizations across BC to fight for a livable future. Monthly giving also makes it easier for you to stay connected to the cause, while helping us plan and grow with confidence
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Whether it’s $5 or $50 a month, your donation directly strengthens climate action in BC — and every dollar adds up.
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Be the spark. Join our growing community of monthly donors today.
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Thank you for standing with us in this decisive decade.
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Climate Politics and Action
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The Greening of Vancouver City Hall
From the Tyee: It’s Pete Fry for mayor, and a council dominated by the Greens and COPE. Read more here.
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B.C. NDP Backsliding on Commitment to Preserving Old Growth, Scientists Say
From CBC: Ecologist says areas with 'some of the most at-risk old growth around' under threat. Read more here.
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Why Is Public Transit a Phantom Election Issue?
It’s a popular policy measure that wins votes. But the leading provincial parties haven’t come out strong on the issue. Read more here.
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South Korea Unveils $747 Billion Energy Transition Plan Through 2035
From Reuters: South Korea's government on Wednesday unveiled a 1,000 trillion won ($747 billion) energy transition and decarbonization strategy through 2035, aiming to expand renewable power, transform heavy industry and create new drivers of growth. Read more here.
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As the US Starves it of Oil, Cuba is Pulling Off One of the Fastest Solar Revolutions on the Planet — with China’s Help
Cuba is struggling with devastating nationwide blackouts as the United States’ effective oil blockade strangles fuel supplies. But this crisis may also be accelerating a China-backed clean energy revolution that’s been quietly unfolding in the Caribbean nation. Read more here.
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‘Critical Moment’: World Leaders Urged to Course Correct on Nature Protection Ahead of COP17 Summit
From Euronews: Game-changing global nature pact still has potential – but nations need to speed up progress, conservationists urge. Read more here.
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Organic Action Plan for England Launches Today with Pledges to Grow Domestic Market & Farmed Land Share
The UK Government has committed to back English organic farmers in a bid to create stronger farm businesses and more homegrown food. Read more here.
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The YES Agenda Versus Doubling Down on Fossil Fuels
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From Seth Klein: Canadian climate movement tells Carney what we’re for & what we’re against; and news on another emergency – the poison drug crisis. Read more here.
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Historic Youth Climate Case is Going to Trial — La Rose v. His Majesty the King
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From David Suzuki Foundation: 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. 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. Follow the trial here.
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Climate Science and Impacts
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Insurers Sound the Alarm on Climate
From the Dispatch: The insurance gap is about to get a lot worse and could even cause another global financial crisis. A group of senior insurers in the UK and Europe has anonymously warned that insurance firms are increasingly pulling out of high-risk areas, driving up uninsured losses that someone will need to pay for. Read more here.
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Your Pocket Guide to Textile Fibres (What They Are and Their Sustainability Considerations)
From Green Economy Mag: If you've ever looked at a clothing label and wondered what lyocell, modal, or polyamide actually are, this guide is for you. Read more here.
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Climate-Driven Wildfires in Canada Could Cost Future Generations Trillions: A Study
From Global News: A researcher from Simon Fraser University claims climate-driven wildfires in Canada could cost future generations trillions of dollars. Read more here.
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Tap Water No Longer Drinkable in Norwegian Town as Climate-Related Thawing Releases Heavy Metals
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From The Guardian: Warning for other Arctic communities as residents told not to use water in Longyearbyen in Svalbard, one of the fastest-warming places in the world. Read more here.
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Resistance and Movement
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How the Quirky Puffin Became a Symbol of the Climate Crisis – and Hope
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From the Guardian: In an extract from his new book, the nature historian explains how technology could help the seabird survive. Read more here.
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Climate Videos, Books, Podcasts, Courses, Art
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Podcast: Canada Is Building for an Energy Future That Will Never Arrive
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Carbon Tracker founder Mark Campanale explains why electrification could turn Canada’s oil, pipeline and LNG ambitions into a costly financial mistake. Read more here.
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Climate Image of the Week
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You Can Take Action! Events, Protests and Rallies
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*PLEASE NOTE* If your climate organization is a WE-CAN member, click “Post your Event” under ‘Calendar’, and it will be added following approval.
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The calendar is a great networking tool, helping you connect and share events with the broader climate movement. Check it out and start posting your events today!
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All times are Pacific Standard Time
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Go Bid or Go Home is Live!!! — Protect Our Winters Canada
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The Go Bid or Go Home Silent Auction is back for a Second Year! From now until October 31st, bid on 100+ prizes from the brands, resorts, shops, and businesses you love. Whether you’re gearing up for the season or just hunting for a good deal, there’s something in here for you. Every dollar raised goes straight into our climate advocacy work across Canada, so you get to score something great and help protect the places we love. Check it out here.
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Hold the Canada Pension Plan accountable on Climate — Public Meetings Nationwide
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Shift is organizing meetings across the country to answer questions about climate-related financial risks, CPPIB’s massive fossil fuel investments, and Indigenous rights. Find your local meeting here.
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October 20, 9:00 am - 4:30 pm — Region of Plenty: Okanagan Food System Summit
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How do we build a regional food system where everyone benefits from the abundance around us? What becomes possible when we bring the whole food system into the same room? Bringing the Okanagan food system together to connect, tackle shared challenges and turn our region’s abundance into collective action. Register here.
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Friday, October 23, 12-1pm: Harvesting Energy, Restoring Land. The Potential for Indigenous Agrivoltaics and Ecovoltaics in British Columbia
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From WE-CAN: The climate crisis is hurting both food security and energy reliability, disproportionately impacting First Nations. Omri Haiven from SFU’s Clean Energy Research Group and staff from Sacred Earth will show how agrivoltaics and ecovoltaics can advance both food and energy sovereignty. Register here
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October 25, 7pm-9pm at Vancouver Unitarian Campus – Seniors' Climate Witness: Building on Our Caravan and Ottawa Actions
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In September, seniors from across Canada travelled to Ottawa to demand that the federal government stop funding new pipelines and take urgent climate action. Now we're building on that momentum! Please join us for an in-person gathering in Vancouver to hear firsthand stories from the caravan and Ottawa actions, celebrate what we accomplished, and discuss next steps - including regional climate actions this fall and plans for a second cross-Canada caravan to Ottawa in April 2027. Register here.
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October 26, 5:30-6:30 pm at Vancouver Art Gallery — Attend the Youth v. Canada Climate Rally
From Our Children’s Trust: La Rose v. His Majesty the King isn't asking for a political compromise; it's asking Canada to answer for what the science says and what the Constitution demands. Come be part of this historic moment. Register here.
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October 28, 12:00 pm — BCSEA’s Where Do You Turn When You Need to Find Policy on Community?
This session shares findings from British Columbia and beyond, discusses these access barriers, and explores ways to accelerate community energy from a policy perspective. Webinar participants will have the chance to share their own experiences navigating community energy policy and contribute ideas on how these findings could help accelerate community energy transformation across Canada. Read more here.
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October 28-30 at Victoria Conference Centre — 2026 Active Transportation Summit
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Join us in the provincial capital this fall to celebrate success, build community, and share knowledge to help move Active Transportation forward in BC! For the first time, the 2026 AT Summit will bring Western Canada’s leading active transportation advocates and practitioners to Victoria. Register here.
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November 5, 5:30-9:00 pm at Pinnacle Hotel Harbourfront, Vancouver — BC Sustainable Energy Association Annual Event, “Women in Sustainable Energy”
Join BCSEA for an inspiring evening celebrating women, leadership, mentorship, and the future of sustainable energy in BC. Register here.
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November 10, 4:00-7:00 pm at UVic — Driving Change: Sustainable Transportation Community Roundtable
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Transportation is one of the largest sources of emissions in our region — and one of our biggest opportunities for change. Join the BC Sustainable Energy Association Victoria Chapter for an evening of vibrant discussion as subject-matter experts tackle the barriers and the solutions to a cleaner transportation future for Victoria. Register and read more here.
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November 12, 11:00 am - 2:00 pm – Recharged and Ready: The Case for Used EVs
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You’re invited to a Clean Energy Canada webinar on our upcoming report, Recharged and Ready, where we dive into used EV cost savings, public opinion, and market trends, while countering some common concerns about used EVs. Register here.
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December 1, 7:00-9:00 pm at UVic – A Common Chord: Science, Stories & Songs for Climate Action
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An unforgettable evening with 2x JUNO award-winning musician Dan Mangan and a powerhouse lineup of people advancing climate research and action. Register here.
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Grants, Job Vacancies and More!
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PICS Climate Internship Programme: Apply by November 20
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The PICS Climate Internship Program helps organizations in BC reach their climate goals while giving university students a chance to hone their skills and acquire relevant work experience. Through an annual competitive process, the program offers up to $15,000 to eligible organizations to hire a student from UBC, SFU, UNBC, or UVic to assist with a climate action project in your organization/community. Details here
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Job Vacancies: Greater Victoria Green Team Program Managers
We need two experienced, self-motivated community builders who are comfortable leading groups, highly organized, take ownership of their work, and thrive on balancing independent computer work with high-energy, physically active field days. Details here
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Job Vacancy: Climate Finance Campaign Contractor: This Position is Open Until Filled.
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From Stand.earth: We are seeking a creative, experienced campaigner starting as soon as possible for an extendable nine-month term. You will be responsible for helping to implement an expanding campaign plan against new LNG projects in Canada. Details here
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Climate/Environmental Jobs Posted on Linked-In
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Environment Funders
Their list of members is here - a useful source of thinking when it comes to fundraising
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WE-CAN’s Fundraising Toolkit for Climate Action Groups is here
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Stay Connected. Be Inspired. Get Involved.
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From all of us in the West Coast Climate Action Network
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We honour the title and rights of the Indigenous peoples on whose ancestral lands we live and work.
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