Climate Caucus

We've got a lot on the calendar for this March! If you are a local elected in Canada, you can get access to all of our calls by signing up to become a Climate Caucus Member. Membership is always free, and you can choose how actively you wish to participate. Sign up here: https://buff.ly/42XQcLW Whether you are a new councillor or veteran political leader; whether you have worked in climate advocacy for years or have a specific policy you want to see for your community, we can help 💚 #localgovernment #climateaction #municipal

We’re thrilled to see that starting April 1, the federal government’s updated Disaster Financial Assistance Arrangements (DFAA) will focus on “Building Back Better”, acknowledging an essential need for flexible funding for communities to rebuild after disasters while considering future climate risks. Since 2023, we’ve been advocating for this very change, emphasizing the importance of rebuilding not just to restore, but to strengthen our communities for the future.  It's encouraging to see this response to the voices of communities to promote smarter, safer, and more resilient infrastructure post-disaster. Congratulations to all the advocates who pushed for this vital policy change! 🙌 While this is a significant step forward, we’ve heard from our members that there are still opportunities for improvement in the DFAA: 🔴 Timing of Funds The current process requires local governments to rebuild first before receiving funds. We urge that at least a portion of the recovery funds be provided upfront to allow local governments to start the necessary work immediately. 🔴 Coordination Among Departments and Levels of Government A more streamlined process for accessing funds is crucial. Local government leaders should have one clear entry point to receive the financial support they need without unnecessary delays. We look forward to continued progress on these issues and appreciate the ongoing work to strengthen our disaster recovery systems. #ClimateAction #DisasterRecovery #ResilientCommunities #BuildingBackBetter #DFAA #ClimateCaucus #PolicyChange

⭐ Community Highlight⭐ The City of Winkler, Manitoba, recently launched a new on-demand transit pilot. 🚌 On-demand transit can reduce emissions, reduce costs and allow for flexible transit routes. They are best for lower density areas where trip patterns are less predictable. Learn more about On-demand transit from our handbook here: https://buff.ly/41r3EJb #transit #municipal #climateaction #localpoli

Just released: our new Zero Waste & Circular Economy handbook for local electeds! A big thank you to everyone who contributed to this project. This handbook includes initiatives, case studies, sample motions & briefing notes on topics including, extended producer responsibility, sustainable procurement, reducing single-use items, food waste reduction, deconstruction and more! Check out the new toolkit here: https://buff.ly/3WPnwmE

As concerns over food security rise in light of ongoing trade tensions, we wanted to provide a space to discuss this with fellow electeds. Join us for a conversation on what local elected officials can do to support food security, local farmers, and agriculture in their communities. 📣 Speaker: Arzeena Hamir will be joining us to speak on her experience in the Comox Valley. Arzeena is a longtime advocate for sustainable agriculture and co-owner of Amara Farm, a 25-acre certified organic farm in Courtenay, BC. She has played a key role in launching the Mid-Island Farmers’ Institute and the Comox Valley Food Policy Council and is actively involved in the CV Seed Savers and the local Farm to School movement. #foodsecurity #localgovernments #agriculture

Did you miss Friday's BC Chapter call with The Zero Emissions Innovation Centre? Not to worry - you can find the recording here: https://buff.ly/41aEKw1 ZEIC is a leading hub for urban decarbonization in Metro Vancouver and Beyond. They accelerate and scale climate action innovation in BC in the building, transportation, and renewable energy sectors. #retrofits #retrofitfinancing #energytransition #heatpumps #districtenergy

Exciting new program to keep an eye out for!

Last week to register for our Circular Economy webinar! ♻️ Here at Climate Caucus we've recently completed our new Zero Waste and Circular Economies handbook. Join this webinar to hear from handbook author and Principal Consultant at Ecoinspire, Sue Maxwell. Staff from the Town of Rocky Mountain House Laura Button and Tiffany Robinson, will also join us to share their pilot project, implementing an initiative from our handbook. Register Here: https://buff.ly/3EpYGDr

We’re reflecting on a hugely galvanizing and informative Sustainable Communities Conference from FCM this February. Some highlights include: —CC members meeting with the Honourable Minister of Environment and Climate Change Canada, Stephen Guilbeault, to discuss current challenges to local governance. The key takeaways? Disinformation and infrastructure deficits are harming our communities… and resources such as the Green Municipal Fund and the Disaster Mitigation and Adaptation Fund have never been more important. —Our Board Co-Chair and North Vancouver Councillor, Jessica Mcllroy, presenting on‘Helping Cities Lead’: a champion campaign in BC facilitated by Climate Caucus which increased collaboration between local governments and the province to enact building climate policies that citizens need. —Collaborating with the Community Energy Association to spread the word about opportunities and services for local elected officials and their communities. —Meeting dozens of committed local leaders who are each building sustainable communities in different ways. Thank you to everyone who stopped by our booth to chat. We hope you all left #SCC2025 feeling inspired, energized and ready to continue our collective work for more sustainable, more prosperous and safer communities.

Did you know we have a new Zero Waste & Circular Economy Handbook for local governments coming out in a few weeks time? ♻️ This handbook will be packed full of step-by-step initiatives, case studies and resources for your community to meet their waste reduction goals! Learn more at our webinar on Feb 26th: https://buff.ly/3EpYGDr