April 8, 2021 – London, Ontario
Kate Young, Member of Parliament for London West, on behalf of the Honourable Jonathan Wilkinson, Minister of Environment and Climate Change, announced that the Government of Canada is investing $5.9 million from environmental fines into Let’s Talk Science. With this funding, Let’s Talk Science will engage over 600,000 youth across Canada in climate science awareness and action through regional events, action projects, hands-on activities and a suite of digital resources, including career information.
The Government of Canada’s Environmental Damages Fund is the source of funding for this project under its Climate Action and Awareness Fund, which was created from the historic $196.5 million fine paid by Volkswagen for circumventing Canada’s environmental protection rules—the largest environmental fine in Canadian history.
This project will build knowledge about climate science and a commitment to action amongst children and youth in Canada. In partnership with the Royal Society of Canada (RSC), including members of the College of New Scholars, Artists and Scientists, Let’s Talk Science will engage diverse experts in the development of youth events, volunteer and educator training, action projects and resources.
The partnership between Let’s Talk Science and the RSC is unique, linking together education and scientific research excellence. Let’s Talk Science and the RSC share a commitment to local, community-based action. All activities and events in this project are locally relevant and will be accessible to children and youth from coast to coast to coast regardless of geographic location, age, cultural background and official language.
With this investment from the Government of Canada, Let’s Talk Science and the RSC will provide youth with meaningful opportunities to make informed decisions and develop the skills they need to succeed in the future.