Canadians Must Push For ‘Energy Democracy’ Amid U.S. Threats, Says Climate Activist

Maritimes Against Climate Change Rallies in Moncton, Urges Action Amid Growing Political Uncertainty

On March 15, the grassroots advocacy group Maritimes Against Climate Change organized a march and rally in Moncton, calling attention to the pressing need for meaningful climate action. As Canada faces mounting environmental and political challenges, activists stressed the importance of self-reliance, sustainability, and a just transition away from fossil fuels.

Among the speakers was Sylvain Comeau, a lead organizer with the group, who spoke candidly with the NB Media Co-op about the urgency of the moment. He emphasized that Canada must take decisive steps toward climate action independently—particularly in the face of increasing political instability south of the border.

"We have a lot of work to do, especially when the U.S. is showing us exactly what not to do," Comeau stated, referencing growing concerns over the policies of Donald Trump’s administration.

A Political Crossroads: Annexation Threats and Climate Policy

Comeau highlighted the growing unpredictability of American politics as a key reason for Canada to pursue a more self-sufficient and climate-conscious future. He pointed to Trump’s recent rhetoric about annexing Canada—once dismissed as fringe talk but now a cause for serious concern—as an example of the aggressive shift in U.S. politics.

In addition, Trump’s administration has been actively dismantling environmental protections and cutting essential government agencies, including those responsible for climate research.

"If we continue to align ourselves with an unstable U.S. government that is gutting its institutions, we risk being dragged down with them," Comeau warned.

One of the most pressing concerns raised at the rally was Canada's reliance on oil and gas exports to the U.S. Comeau questioned the logic of continuing to extract fossil fuels only to ship them south, reinforcing economic dependence on a country that has demonstrated increasing hostility toward environmental regulations.

"Why are we digging up the oil to give it to them?" he asked the crowd, arguing that Canada should focus instead on "energy democracy"—a shift toward renewable power sources like wind and solar that are controlled by local communities rather than corporate interests.

The Battle Between Resource Nationalism and Climate Responsibility

However, climate action in Canada faces a growing ideological divide. Amid Trump’s threats of annexation and a turbulent global energy market, some factions in Canada have called for a loosening of environmental regulations to allow for greater extraction of oil, gas, and other natural resources. Proponents argue that this approach would bolster economic independence and create stronger ties with European markets.

But for activists like Comeau, this vision runs counter to Canada’s commitments to Indigenous reconciliation and climate justice.

"We are on the unceded lands of Indigenous nations, and we need to focus on making up for the atrocities of the past while also building a better future," he said. "Continuing to pollute the planet with fossil fuels flies in the face of everything Canada has claimed to stand for."

While the government of interim Prime Minister Mark Carney has suggested maintaining an emissions cap on the oil and gas sector, activists remain skeptical. The cap, they argue, does not go far enough—especially given that it would not limit production itself. This skepticism was further fueled by the recent decision of four of Canada’s largest banks to withdraw from a UN-backed climate initiative that aimed to fund the energy transition.

Public Pressure as the Driving Force

With corporate interests backing away from climate commitments and political uncertainty casting a shadow over environmental policy, Comeau stressed the need for citizen-led advocacy. He called on Canadians to intensify pressure on both politicians and corporations to follow through on climate pledges.

"It really does show that the private sector is, unfortunately, unreliable when it comes to climate action. That means we—the people—have to step up, keep pushing, and make sure these promises turn into real action," he said.

Comeau also framed the current moment as an opportunity for Canada to redefine its relationship with both the U.S. and the environment. By reducing dependence on fossil fuels and investing in sustainable alternatives, he argued, Canada could forge a more independent path that aligns with its climate goals.

"We cannot put petty politics above this existential threat," he told the crowd gathered outside Moncton City Hall. "The time for half-measures is over. We need real, transformative action now."

The Path Forward

As climate activists continue their push for a just transition, the rally in Moncton served as a powerful reminder that the fight against climate change is deeply intertwined with questions of sovereignty, economic policy, and social justice. The choices made today will not only shape Canada’s environmental future but also determine its ability to stand resilient in an increasingly volatile world.

At a time when political and corporate interests appear to be wavering in their commitments, grassroots movements like Maritimes Against Climate Change are ensuring that the call for action remains loud, urgent, and impossible to ignore.