AMENDMENT - CLIMATE CHANGE MOTION PREPARED BY COUNCILLOR KELLY
That the Motion regarding Climate Change be amended as follows:
1. The following three paragraphs be deleted:
WHEREAS an emergency can be defined as “an often dangerous situation requiring immediate action”;
WHEREAS Municipalities such as Sudbury, West Nipissing, Ottawa, London, Kingston, Burlington, St. Catherines, Halton Hills, Vancouver and Hamilton have already declared climate emergencies;
THEREFORE BE IT RESOLVED that the Municipality of East Ferris, officially declare a climate emergency for the purposes of naming, framing, and deepening our commitment to protecting our economy, our eco systems, and our community from climate change.
2. The following paragraphs be inserted:
WHEREAS the Municipality of East Ferris views ensuring the health and survival of Mother Earth as essential, it is opting for a resolution that enables actions to combat climate change that are within its control versus passing a resolution that many municipalities have referred to as “symbolic”;
WHEREAS the Municipality of East Ferris currently identifies and plans for impending climate change impacts on its community via its Emergency Preparation Plan and consistently seeks ways and opportunities to engage in actions that protect its environment;
WHEREAS the Municipality of East Ferris’ Strategic Plan specifies that it will pursue further meaningful and measurable ways to protect its lakes, water and forests; keep its local environment clean; protect its landfill site and encourage robust recycling programs;
WHEREAS the Municipality of East Ferris is aligning itself to the Province of Ontario Made-in-Ontario Environment Plan that includes upcoming commitments to reduce plastic waste and litter and making producers responsible for the end-of-life management of their products;
WHEREAS the Municipality of East Ferris recognizes its responsibility to do everything in its power to minimize the impacts of climate change on future generations;
THEREFORE BE IT RESOLVED that the Municipality of East Ferris affirms its commitment to fighting off climate change and that this commitment will form part of the Municipality’s decision-making framework and upcoming budgets.