I am 85 years old and I am worried. Not for me, because I’m nearing the end of my life, but for my 13 grandchildren, my 7 great-grandchildren and all the children on the planet. It is for them that I want to bear witness to the urgency of a new solidarity. It is for them that I will demonstrate on May 8 in Quebec at “Bread and Forests”, because their future depends on social justice and a healthy environment.
All my life, I have been involved in society first as a nurse, then in community and political organizations. Among my big fights, there was medical assistance in dying.
If there’s one thing I’ve learned over the years, it’s that governments don’t change unless public opinion changes too. It is not the truth that matters to them, but what the world thinks. They want votes. It is necessary to ensure that the opinions of scientists transform public opinion. This is why we must mobilize by all means. Now is not the time to give up.
A few weeks ago, the IPCC told us that there are only three years left to avoid the worst disasters, but we have known for years that we must reduce our greenhouse gas emissions and our ecological footprint. . Already in 1972, during the first summit on the environment, René Dubos invited the entire population to “think globally, act locally”.
If certain realizations have taken place since then, we have all remained pretty much in comfort and indifference. We put the blame on others because we can always find individuals and countries worse than us. During this time, we do not take our responsibilities with regard to our grandchildren. The planet is in the red.
Today, I appeal to the entire population. That beyond our social, linguistic, ethnic and political affiliations, we unite to protect what a society has most precious: life!
Elections are coming up in Quebec. We cannot wait another four years to take serious action. This is why I invite the whole population to respond to the call of the Mothers at the front. Make your voice heard. Come walk with me in Quebec.