Students’ right to strike for the climate must be protected

HALIFAX - Today, as students across Nova Scotia participate in the latest round of climate strikes, NDP Leader Gary Burrill committed to introduce legislation to protect the rights of young people who protest. Last school year, hundreds of students across the province joined in local demonstrations calling on governments around the world to take bold action to address climate change.

“It’s inspiring to see so many young people taking action and demanding a better future for themselves and their communities,” said Burrill. “The need to take urgent action to address climate change and transform our economy to create good green jobs is clear to the NDP.”

New Democrats have proposed solutions on the climate emergency, including the Green Jobs Act and implementing the 2030 Declaration. Last spring, some students were threatened with discipline for participating in or organizing climate strikes, including suspensions or removals from student councils.

“I think it is very important that our young people be able to freely express themselves and their opinions,” said Burrill. “When the legislature re-opens next week, the NDP will be introducing legislation to clarify that high school students have a right to political participation and expression, and that they cannot be disciplined for doing so.”

The NDP supports lowering the voting age to 16, to further encourage young people to get politically involved.

-30-