Youth Rising: Inside Vancouver’s Climate Election Town Hall

Young voices matter; with the federal election coming to a close on Monday, they’re needed more than ever. We’re at a pivotal moment—not just to respond to environmental challenges, but to reimagine how Canadian policy can support a more sustainable, equitable future.

This conversation was at the forefront of the Town Hall event hosted by the UBC Climate Studies & Action Certificate Capstone on March 27th, in partnership with the Pacific Institute for Climate Solutions, the UBC Centre for Climate Justice, and Ritmos Climáticos.  

The event was inspired by the ongoing efforts of the Climate Emergency Unit and Youth Climate Corps, both of which advocate for bold climate action and good green jobs for all. The Town Hall intended to give youth a platform to share their concerns, ask questions, and connect directly with the candidates seeking to represent them.

Interestingly, some of the most thoughtful and impactful conversations happened before the candidates took the stage. A short panel discussion featured youth leaders from various corners of community organizing: Ismail Askin from the Worker Solidarity Network, Molly Henderson from Dogwood BC, Naisha Khan from Climate Recentered, and Zainab Sayedain with Common Horizon. Each panelist’s response revealed a deep, lived understanding of the challenges they were addressing, grounded in both expertise and care for their communities. More than that, the panel served as a powerful reminder: this event wasn’t simply a primer on youth engagement in politics. It came at a time when young people are navigating multiple, overlapping crises—climate change, housing insecurity, systemic inequity—and seeking to address them with compassion, innovation, and care for one another.

Once the candidates appeared on stage, the room was alive with anticipation of what they would say. It’s rare to see political candidates engage directly with young people, especially in a dialogue centered around sustainability. 

This wasn’t performative Earth Month politics; candidates were asked, point-blank, whether they would commit to a Youth Climate Corps—an initiative designed to tackle the intersecting crises of climate change, youth unemployment, and the rising cost of living.

Among those present were Liberal representatives Wade Grant (Vancouver Quadra) and Taleeb Noormohamed, MP (Vancouver Granville); Green Party candidates Steven Ji (Richmond East–Steveston), Scott MacDonald (Vancouver Centre), and Michael Sisl (Richmond Centre–Marpole); as well as NDP representatives Jenny Kwan, MP (Vancouver East), and Avi Lewis (Vancouver Centre).

Their responses were cautiously encouraging. Most agreed that urgency and meaningful action are essential, and several shared personal reflections on how the climate crisis has touched their own lives and those of their communities. Whether those values will translate into policy after the election remains to be seen. But what should resonate most is the passion and resolve the youth demonstrated, proving we are far from apathetic. We're not just showing up to vote; we're showing up to lead, organize, and hold power to account every step of the way.

The Sustainable Act was honoured to be invited as a media partner at this event, thanks to the collaborative efforts of Ritmos Climáticos. Curious to learn more about the motivation behind the gathering, we spoke with their Programs Director, Lukas Troni, who emphasized a vision of inclusion—creating a space where participants from all walks of life could feel seen and heard, and where new perspectives were welcomed. To hear further from them, you can visit our social media channels to watch our video interview.

At its core, the event recognized that the climate crisis is deeply complex. It cannot be addressed solely through academic research or strategic policy; it requires lived experience and insight from those traditionally excluded from decision-making. This Town Hall championed inclusivity by centering voices often left out of the conversation, especially youth and those without voting rights.

This spirit of inclusion was echoed in the very location of the event: 312 Main Street, situated on the unceded, ancestral, and traditional territories of the xʷməθkʷəy̓əm (Musqueam), Sḵwx̱wú7mesh (Squamish), and səl̓ilwətaɬ (Tsleil-Waututh) Nations.

As youth continue to grow up in a world shaped by colonialism, patriarchy, and capitalism, it is essential to acknowledge how these systems continue to impact the land and the communities who call it home. Today, the surrounding neighborhood reflects the lasting impacts of these systems—rising inequality, a deepening housing crisis, barriers to mental and physical healthcare, and the ongoing drug poisoning crisis, which continues with little political accountability.

The area also bears the weight of cultural erasure: the gentrification that has diminished Asian cultural presence, the destruction of Hogan’s Alley, and the displacement of Strathcona’s Black community, whose rich legacy is too often forgotten.

As we reflect on the conversations that took place—about climate justice, youth leadership, and bold policy shifts—we are reminded that real change requires accountability: to the land, to each other, and to communities who have been historically excluded from the narrative.

Regardless of the outcome of the election, we must continue to advocate for meaningful change and uplift diverse perspectives. Whether from communities operating outside traditional political structures or through reimagining civic engagement to better reflect our shared values, there is power in collective vision.

This Town Hall demonstrated the potential for bold new ideas to take root and grow.

About the Author

Samantha Paterson

Samantha Paterson is an inquisitive and passionate storyteller dedicated to enhancing climate communications. With a strong background in sustainability and civic engagement, Sam has actively contributed to environmental initiatives, including volunteering with the non-profit My Sea to Sky in Squamish, BC. During this time, she helped organize a large-scale community event aimed at promoting the preservation of Howe Sound and strengthening community spirit. This experience ignited her passion for the power of collective action and positive climate narratives. They are now focused on advancing impactful climate solutions and fostering inclusive community engagement, drawing from her experiences to inspire meaningful change.