Author: Christine Robertson

Climate Justice Organizing HUB is the connective tissue between grassroots organizers and community engagement. Grassroots movements are important catalysts for systemic change. Building power, and engaging voices calling for change, is critical.

In 2023, the HUB reached a significant milestone by training 5,000 activists nationwide. Motivated by an impactful year, HUB is continuing to deepen its engagement efforts with activists to continue fostering a leaderful climate justice movement into 2024 and beyond.

“The HUB plays a crucial role in bridging movement leaders and projects across the country,” explains Jacqueline Lee-Tam, Director. “Whether learning from pipeline resistance in BC, electoral victories in Manitoba, or student union activism in Quebec, activists benefit greatly from cross-pollination.”

According to Jacqueline Lee-Tam, training 5,000-10,000 climate justice leaders annually is pivotal for achieving transformative policy changes.

To date, the HUB has conducted over 800 grassroots support interventions, fostered a learning community of 5,000 climate activists across Canada, and developed 35 workshops in English and French covering campaign strategy, coalition building, recruitment, and community care.

This year, community members emphasized the importance of national solidarity and connection, especially in navigating shared challenges and celebrating collective successes. Given the high turnover in grassroots activism, particularly among student organizers, the HUB’s role as a convener and capacity-building organization, responsive to the needs of activists, is crucial for sustaining momentum toward bold and equitable climate action.

The Climate Justice Organizing HUB remains at the forefront of cultivating a cohesive and empowered climate justice movement, driving impactful and inclusive climate actions across Canada.

At Justice for Girls—a Canadian non-profit organization and registered charity
dedicated to advocating fiercely for social, environmental, and Indigenous
justice—young women always have a seat at the table. Their mission is focused on eradicating violence, poverty, and racism from the lives of teenage girls. The Houssian Foundation has proudly partnered with this influential work since 2020.

In 2023, under the leadership of Zoë Craig-Sparrow, JFG continued to empower young women to take the lead. They expanded their community outreach and engagement efforts, developing new workshop series and curricula covering essential topics such as consent, healthy relationships, trafficking, exploitation, and online safety. The impact was significant—more than 600 girls across the province actively participated in JFG’s exceptional programming.

“As a small organization, achieving such widespread impact among so many girls and communities—especially those historically underserved—was a significant accomplishment. These relationships will continue to bear fruit as we deepen our engagement,”

Savannah Norman, Director of Communications

Central to Justice for Girls’ mission is the belief that women, particularly young women facing poverty, are the experts of their own lives. This principle underscores their commitment to justice by centering and prioritizing the lived experiences of women and their families in the community. From grassroots initiatives to national campaigns, JFG has swiftly made its mark. In just two years they have confronted gender-based violence in oil and gas work camps,
and challenged the RCMP, with much more on the horizon.

Last year, Justice for Girls launched a high-profile campaign in collaboration with researchers and families of missing women, urging the RCMP to preserve evidence and honor their commitment to investigating over 30 cold cases. This initiative culminated in a widely covered press conference in December 2023, garnering significant attention and support, including an open letter endorsed by over 40 organizations.

“Seeing our office filled with cameras and microphones underscored the gravity of our efforts for the families and in advancing women and girls’ equality and freedom from violence,” shared Norman. “JFG remains steadfast in demanding police accountability on this critical issue through various public forums, including courts, tribunals, and international human rights bodies.”

Action Canada, a leading advocate for sexual health and reproductive rights, secured inclusion of contraception in Canada’s Pharmacare Act, marking a transformative step towards universal access and reproductive justice.

Action Canada serves as a steadfast advocate for sexual health and reproductive rights, amplifying its impact in alignment with The Houssian Foundation’s vision to bolster powerful, interconnected feminist movements across Canada and globally. As a progressive, pro-choice charitable organization, Action Canada has made significant strides in advancing reproductive justice, particularly in ensuring access to safe and affordable contraception.

The provision of free contraception has the potential to revolutionize reproductive health, transforming choice from a privilege to a fundamental right. The prohibitive costs associated with birth control have historically posed a substantial barrier, limiting access for many Canadians

“The health, economic, social, and equity impact of free contraception cannot be overstated and benefits everyone, regardless of gender or ability to get pregnant”

Frederique Chabot, Acting Executive Director

The journey continues beyond this landmark achievement. Action Canada remains committed to amplifying its initiatives on national platforms, uniting its network of sexual health centers to champion advocacy and address sector priorities.

“Our vision is to equip our sector, communities, and decision-makers with the tools to effectively combat populist political tactics such as polarization and disinformation, which threaten community cohesion and individual well-being,” states Chabot.

This reproductive health work is more critical than ever, ensuring that individuals can make informed decisions about their own bodies, including whether and when to have children. This autonomy is linked to our gender justice approach, as we empower women and those with diverse genders, to control their futures and engage in their communities.

The Pembina Institute is a non-profit think tank, advocating for strong, effective policies to support Canada’s clean energy transition. For over 40 years, Pembina has been working unremittingly to reduce the environmental footprint of Canada’s energy production and on developing actionable ideas.

Pembina’s mission focuses on transforming the country’s energy sector to ensure a prosperous, sustainable, and resilient future. Aligned with the Houssian Foundation’s dedication to nurturing healthy ecosystems and collaborative pathways to a sustainable future, Pembina Institute stands out as a grantee partner, since 2020.

A key moment for Pembina came in March 2023, when British Columbia’s Premier unveiled the New Energy Action Framework, which includes a commitment to cap emissions from the oil and gas activities in B.C.

In the lead-up to this announcement, Pembina Institute released a pivotal report, “Squaring the Circle”, which details the tremendous carbon pollution associated with liquefied natural gas (LNG) development and the enormous amounts of electricity that would be required to make operations less polluting.

“In the lead-up to this announcement, Pembina Institute collaborated closely with partner organizations, long-term relationships with senior government officials have solidified trust in Pembina’s expertise, this trust was pivotal when we strategically shared our report at a critical juncture.”

Chris Severson-Baker, Executive Director

This report remains very important as LNG developments are still being considered in BC.

The Pembina Institute doesn’t mince words: climate change, as they say, threatens everyone, so it’s time to work together. Their impact transcends policy shifts, illustrating how informed advocacy can drive meaningful progress in the global fight against climate change.

Amidst the pressing climate challenges faced by communities across British
Columbia and beyond, The Houssian Foundation has steadfastly supported
innovative initiatives such as My Climate Plan. This pioneering project not
only addresses the immediate impacts of climate change but also empowers
communities through practical solutions, engagement, and education.

My Climate Plan is a new membership organization and powerful digital platform designed to help individuals understand, plan, and take action on the climate impacts affecting their families and neighbors. From preparing households for extreme weather to reducing carbon emissions and fostering connections with local community advocacy projects, My Climate Plan supports both personal and collective climate action.

In 2023, My Climate Plan provided crucial support to communities hit hard by offering practical resources and simple steps, like building your own air filtration system to clean indoor air during smoky periods.

“One member shared her experience of building an air purifier for her family’s home, expressing immense relief. It was so straightforward and cost-effective that she offered to teach her neighbors to build their own.”

Co-Founder Adam Lynes-Ford.

Central to My Climate Plan is a deep commitment to community and mutual aid—helping ourselves by helping each other. Initiatives like the build-your-own air filtration system exemplify this commitment and play a pivotal role in advancing climate action.

Last year marked the launch of My Climate Plan’s ambitious online platform, poised to democratize climate education. This platform offers accessible resources on community impact, personalized planning, practical support, and connections with fellow climate advocates. “The platform is groundbreaking, providing support to tens of thousands as they navigate future fire and heat seasons starting in 2024,” added Adam Lynes-Ford.

Through tangible, community-driven actions, My Climate Plan continues to guide British Columbia toward a sustainable future, embodying the resilience and collaboration needed to confront today’s climate challenges.

In the face of crisis — COVID-19 and its aftermath, housing, toxic drug supply,
mental health, and so much more — the Downtown Eastside Women’s Centre
endures as a beacon of hope and resilience.

As an organization committed to gender justice in resilient communities, The Houssian Foundation is proud to be an ongoing partner of the Downtown Eastside Women’s Centre. For 45 years, the Downtown Eastside Women’s Centre has fostered a sense of belonging for women across diverse backgrounds and cultures. Their care provides nourishment, safety, and friendship, for cis, trans, and Two-Spirit women living and working in the community.

The work done at DEWC is monumental and the demand for support is staggering. Despite staffing and resourcing challenges, throughout 2023 DEWC served nearly 1,200 women daily, offering shelter, food, counselling, healthcare, and support services. The Downtown Eastside Women’s Centre – under the leadership of Executive Director Alice Kendall – is a formidable force in the community.

“We wish there was no need for our services but the reality is that our safe spaces for women are needed now more than ever.”

Alice Kendall, Executive Director.

With support from The Houssian Foundation and others, the food program at DEWC underwent a notable transformation in 2023, expanding across all five service sites with regular meal availability. And, the member reviews are coming in at five stars. “Our kitchen initiative has had a profound impact, as evidenced by one of our members who shared, ‘I like to come in here. I can have a meal; the food is amazing, and to see my friends to have a cup of coffee. I really like the cook; she is amazing and gives us good food,’” she adds.

Amid challenges, the stories of impact from the community are invigorating. Lena, a First Nations woman who had been historically marginalized due to her drug use and sex work, found a sanctuary at DEWC. And, Samantha, an Indigenous woman who had been unhoused for over half her life, found a new sense of belonging and security after securing housing through the centre’s efforts. She’s secured work, is making strides in her goals for stability and self sufficiency, and for the first time in a long while, she feels at home.

“When looking back on 2023, we are most proud that as an organization we worked hard to keep our doors open and provide the women of this community safe with advocacy, connection, and safety amid many barriers,” concludes Kendall.“ We are so very proud of the incredible team we have and the strength of the women we work with.”

Because of the amazing $10aDay campaign, the BC Government is beginning to implement quality, affordable, universal child care.

Their work has led to significant public policy changes, resulting in the first social program at this scale in decades and transforming the lives of families in British Columbia, in particular the lives of women. 

COVID-19 brought attention to what women have known all along: childcare is essential to our economy. The work of the Childcare Advocates of BC has taught us that childcare workers must be compensated fairly for the work they are doing – to build the care economy – and that affordable childcare must be universally accessible and culturally-informed. 

Below are testimonials that speak to the  impact of this advocacy work and the outcome of the investment: 

“This was a meaningful public policy announcement that will make a real difference for so many families and women. Adding my voice to the chorus of appreciation for the tenacity and focus of the $10aDay campaign, Sharon Gregson and the countless other women over several decades.” – Maria Dobrinskaya 

“I cried today listening to this announcement. These investments have been so hard fought for, and they are relieving so much pressure for those of us with young ones. History making changes that leave a legacy of hope and greater equality.” – Kristen Keighley-Wight

“My child care fees have dropped by close to 50%. In one day. Thank you for the tireless work to get us closer to affordable, high quality childcare in BC.”

Chantelle Krish, Supporter 

In September 2022, provincial and federal ministers unveiled details of new subsidies that will apply to 96,000 children across B.C. Affordable childcare advocates say the move puts the government’s promise of $10-a-day affordable child care on the horizon.

The Houssian Foundation is proud to partner with WISH (Women’s Information Safe House) Drop-In Centre Society in Vancouver’s Downtown Eastside, an organization that improves the health, safety and well-being of women who are involved in Vancouver’s street-based sex trade.

Many of the participants who walk through the doors of the WISH face limited options. When Avery Gray* was living in a tent on Alexander Street, she didn’t know what WISH was. One freezing night, she was invited into the drop-in for a hot chocolate and decided to check it out.

“I didn’t share any details of the work I did at all because I just felt that if I, you know, made enemies with even my closest friends, that they would somehow rat me out to the ministry and it would go against me and my kids, right?”

Avery Gray*, WISH client

Avery describes how experiencing homelessness and living with substance use severely limited her options, “I had no choices at that time,” and even now she says, “I don’t really know what got me through it to be honest with you. Things kinda just started slowly day by day, increasingly getting better and better and a lot of that is because of the support I got from here.”

Having support available when she needed it made a difference, “anytime that any, you know, upsetting situations happened or anything, I’d be able to come here at any hour of the day. Like midnight, three in the morning, anytime, and [WISH] was always here.”

Avery Gray is modest about her accomplishments, but her journey is truly incredible. After joining WISH’s Supportive Employment Program, she found work that she enjoys and is great at. Now, she has progressed from an entry-level role to become a program supervisor at WISH, overseeing nearly 40 employees.

Having staff with personal experience accessing services at WISH is immensely valuable to WISH’s community. Avery Gray knows firsthand how “it takes somebody to feel welcome before they feel that they have choice or options to do anything else.”

To do this, we need to create opportunities that meaningfully engage street-based sex workers, while prioritizing their safety, autonomy, and self-determination.

“I definitely am starting more and more to feel like, oh, I could be this somewhere else too. It’s not just here. I’m valuable everywhere, right?… I can do it, so I think everybody else can.”

*Alias used to protect confidentiality