Introduction to KICLEI
Introduction to KICLEI
At KICLEI, we have discovered that U.N. programs adopted at the local level are entirely voluntary, emphasizing the freedom of choice for Canadian Municipal and First Nations Councils. Many of these programs are funded by the United Nations affiliate ICLEI Canada and the Government of Canada, and administered through the Federation of Canadian Municipalities (FCM).
However, U.N. directive programs, if not carefully considered, may have significant adverse effects on mobility and property rights, energy security, small-town growth, and the urban crisis. They could also redirect public funds and assets to corporate and foreign investors under the guise of “saving the planet.” Additionally, these programs could augment the roles of local administrators and limit public feedback.
Our Mission
Our mission at KICLEI is to educate communities and councils on the origins, aims, rationales, and disadvantages of such programs. We propose that Canadian Municipal and First Nations Councils withdraw from U.N. directive programs, such as the FCM-ICLEI Partners for Climate Protection Program (PCP), to safeguard the Canadian way of life and uphold local decision-making.
The Agenda for the 21st Century - Implemented Through Canadian Municipalities
Sustainable development is a planning concept that restricts individual property rights and is therefore not aligned with the Canadian way of life. The United Nations laid out its official policy on land during the Brundtland Commission in Vancouver in 1976, stating that "land should not be treated as a regular asset controlled by individuals... Private land ownership… contributes to social injustice and public control of land use is indispensable.”
The FCM-ICLEI Partners for Climate Protection Program
In 1994, ICLEI Canada partnered with the Government of Canada to fund sustainable development programs to achieve Agenda 21, Agenda 2030, and net zero by 2050. The Partners for Climate Protection Program (PCP) involves around 400 municipalities aiming for net-zero emissions by 2050, following a five-milestone framework. Learn more about the program here and here.
Supporting Rationale and Climate Realism
According to the Municipal Primer on UNCED, human activities have caused changes in the global climate, justifying immediate sustainable development actions. The PCP program claims that climate change increases extreme weather events and poses serious threats to our environment, health, jobs, and economy.
At KICLEI, we recognize that most Canadians care deeply about our natural environment and are eager to protect it. We promote education and public awareness on climate realism, providing evidence of natural climate change factors, the benefits of CO2, and supporting everything with basic facts and peer-reviewed studies.
Does Civic Engagement Work?
Starting June 26, 2023, delegations in Peterborough and surrounding townships led to nationwide awareness of the local implementation and disadvantages of U.N. directive programs. This grassroots movement led to the delay of a U.N.-driven Official Plan, serving as a powerful reminder that Canadians can effectively resist unwanted policies at a local level, instilling a sense of empowerment and agency.
Our Win in Thorold
In Thorold, Ontario, we achieved a significant victory by raising awareness and leading the community to withdraw from the U.N.-affiliated Partners for Climate Protection Program. This grassroots effort demonstrated that local action can effectively counter U.N. directive programs, preserving local autonomy and prioritizing community interests.
How to Get Involved and Support
Our goal is to help safeguard the Canadian way of life, council's decision-making options, and the public's interests against any adverse impacts of U.N. directive programs. To achieve this, KICLEI Coordinators and supporters are encouraged to:
Endorse the Mission: Show your support for our objectives.
Join the Network: Become a part of a growing community of concerned citizens.
Share the Mission: Spread awareness through social media and community engagements.
Support the Mission: Contribute through donations or volunteer your time.
Learn More: Educate yourself and others about our initiatives and the impact of U.N. programs.
Initiate Localized Community Action Plans and Committees: Take proactive steps in your own community.
Learn more and get involved at kiclei.ca.
Join us in protecting our communities and preserving the Canadian way of life.
Sincerely,
The KICLEI Team