As Canada Day passes, I find myself reflecting on the progress we’ve made as a country and the responsibility we share in protecting it.
As of July 1, 2025, nearly 22 million Canadians are benefitting from a reduced federal tax rate from 15 percent to 14 percent, saving households up to $800 per year.
The Canada Child Benefit and $10-a-day child care have lifted children out of poverty and supported families. Access to dental care for low-income seniors and children is expanding.
And historic progress has been made in ending long‑term boil‑water advisories in Indigenous communities, with 147 lifted and 35 remaining as of March 16, 2025.
The phase-out of coal-fired electricity by 2030 continues to cut greenhouse gas emissions by more than 12 megatonnes annually. Simultaneously, federal investments in zero-emission vehicles and home retrofits are supporting a cleaner, healthier future.
Despite decades of disinformation funded by fossil fuel companies about climate solutions, a recent analysis by reClimate found that climate action is still a defining Canadian value.
In 2024, Canada shattered the record for costliest year for severe weather-related losses in Canadian history at $8.5 billion. As climate damage intensifies, cost-effective climate policies like industrial carbon pricing will be essential to safeguarding both our economy and our planet.
In 2016, Canada fully endorsed the United Nations Declaration of the Rights of Indigenous People and developed an official action plan to follow through on commitments.
In 2023, Canada became one of the first countries to recognize the legal right to a healthy environment in national legislation.
Meanwhile, in the U.S., once-settled policies on health care, the environment and civil rights are being rolled back — a reminder that progress is never guaranteed. Tragically, on Independence Day, a flash flood in Texas claimed at least 120 lives. No one saw it coming.
Canada is not immune to these pressures. Disinformation, political polarization and anti-democratic forces do not respect borders. What we have built together, across party lines and over generations, requires vigilance and continued engagement.
As a proud Canadian, I believe our shared commitment to fairness, science and democracy is what sets us apart. At Citizens’ Climate Lobby, we believe political will is the key to solving the climate crisis. In the second half of this year, we have two important actions planned.
First, we have just launched a digital campaign urging MPs to safeguard our democracy.
Then, from Sunday, October 19 to Tuesday, October 21, we will gather in Ottawa for a national conference and lobbying days.
This event is co-hosted with the Canadian Association of Physicians for the Environment, Grand(m)others Act to Save the Planet and Generation Squeeze:
Join us in honouring what we have achieved by standing up for it, together.
Cathy Orlando is a climate activist who lives in Greater Sudbury.