Dozens gather in Saint Andrews for national demonstration on climate change

About 70 people gathered in Market Square in Saint Andrews for seniors for climate change, which coincides with National Seniors Day.

It’s part of a national movement, with about 70 events happening across the country. The group gathered to raise awareness about the ongoing climate crisis. 

“We have a vested interest in fighting climate change and asking for action from our government,” said Muriel Jarvis, one of the events organizers. 

In the last year, there has been several ravaging winter storms that brought heavy rain and substantial damage to Charlotte County. 

“I have five grandchildren. I have been realizing over the last four or five years, what a crisis we’re in.”

A forest fire burned more than 500 hectares in 2023 and forced the evacuation of more than 300 people from their homes in Saint Andrews, Bocabec and Chamcook. 

Many of the people at the event said they are concerned about the future, both for their families and future generations. 

“I have a very strong motivation,” Jarvis said. “I have five grandchildren. I have been realizing over the last four or five years, what a crisis we’re in.”

The group says, as seniors, they’ve grown frustrated by governments who don’t walk the talk in the climate policies. (Nathalie Sturgeon/CHCO TV)

For Jarvis’ 97-year-old mother , there is a similar sense of urgency for her daughter and the generations born after her. 

“I think it’s so important, when I see these floods and the devastation on the news, I’m just appalled,” she said. 

Some people at the event said they feel like more could be done on an individual level to help mitigate climate change. 

Susan Marpole said small actions like recycling in the home is critical to helping reduce the carbon footprint. 

“Generally speaking, there are a lot of people who regard this as very important,” she said. 

In a release, the group said it was frustrated by governments who didn’t walk the talk on the issue of climate change. 

“We urge New Brunswickers to use their democratic power to vote in favour of a future without fossil fuels and to put pressure on our politicians to prioritize climate change in a tangible and visible way,” Jarvis said in the release.