Traditional territory of the Wabanaki Peoples/Fredericton – On National Seniors Day, Oct. 1, the Conservation Council of New Brunswick recognizes and celebrates the wisdom, leadership and commitment of seniors in Canada, particularly those advocating for urgent climate action. In the face of climate change’s impact on our daily lives — intensifying heat waves and cold snaps, increasing floods and wildfires, and spreading pests and illnesses — seniors suffer more than others.
According to StatsCan (2021, Housing Survey), over 42,000 seniors in New Brunswick are living in energy poverty, which means they are spending more than six per cent of their after-tax income on home electricity needs. The affordability crisis and seniors’ fixed incomes make this particularly difficult.
“There are affordable, healthy solutions to climate change that benefit everyone, especially our seniors,” says Dr. Moe Qureshi, the Conservation Council’s director of climate research and policy. “Their advocacy reminds us that the fight for climate justice is a fight for generational equity — a responsibility to ensure that future generations inherit a safe, sustainable and thriving world.”
Across New Brunswick and Canada, organizations like Seniors for Climate are powerful voices advocating for a livable future for all generations. Seniors are pushing for strong policies to reduce emissions, promote renewable energy and protect the natural environment we depend on.
“It’s time for Canada to stop burning fossil fuels, embrace renewable energy, make our homes and buildings energy-efficient, and invest in solutions that are available now: heat pumps, public transit and electric school buses,” said Dr. Qureshi. “We also need to help communities adapt to the extreme weather events we’re experiencing today.”
Today and every day, the Conservation Council of New Brunswick stands with seniors in their call for climate action. Their leadership is instrumental in creating a future where communities, ecosystems, and economies thrive together in harmony. We are grateful for their advocacy and dedication to safeguarding our planet for future generations.
We encourage all Canadians to stand with seniors on Oct. 1. Join the National Seniors for Climate Day by participating in the following activities:
Join New Brunswick seniors at the provincial legislature in Fredericton from 11 a.m. to noon to pledge support for future generations, hear about the impacts of climate change on older adults and explore ways to create positive change.
Attend a webinar hosted by Seniors for Climate at 4 p.m., where we discuss the health and safety challenges climate change poses to seniors. This event is presented in partnership with the New Brunswick Environment Network and the Fredericton Stepping Stone Senior Centre.
Visit our website and social media channels to read our case study highlighting the story of a senior living in an energy-efficient home and the solutions they used to improve their home’s energy efficiency and comfort.
For more information, or to arrange an interview, please contact:
Corey Robichaud, Director of Communications, Conservation Council of New Brunswick | corey.robichaud@conservationcouncil.ca | 506.458.8747
Moe Qureshi, Director of Climate Research and Policy, Conservation Council of New Brunswick | moe.qureshi@conservationcouncil.ca | 506.458.8747