Our Core Values

Citizens’ Climate Lobby is a non-profit, non-partisan, grassroots advocacy organization focused on improving and harmonizing Canada’s national carbon pricing policy.

These core values guide volunteers along the way:

Focus: For almost 15 years our focus was a carbon fee with dividends. We knew it would not solve everything and we appreciated the work that our friends in other groups are doing. Yes, the consumer carbon price was cancelled. Now, we focus on getting money away from fossil fuels via the industrial carbon price and climate aligned-finance. So that we can be effective, we do not let ourselves get distracted by work that does not support our core purpose.

Optimism: We believe that people are good and that democracy works. We are confident that our approach will work because we see progress. We stand for a solution, not in protest of other solutions. We don’t expect perfection from ourselves or others; this is a process, and we know that people can improve. Together, we are a community that offers one another comfort, support, and fun as we work.

Relationships: We take the most generous approach to other people as possible — appreciation, gratitude, and respect. We listen, we work to find common values, and we endeavour to understand our own biases. We are honest and firm. We know that there is a place for protest, but our approach is to build consensus — that’s what will bring enduring change. That’s why elected officials and their staff, no matter what their politics, say they are happy to see us — and mean it.

Integrity: We are prepared and do our research. We are always on time for meetings. Our approach is thoughtful & thorough. We consult experts and use data. We are open to new information; in fact we solicit opposing opinions. We refine our solutions to make them better. We follow up when we are asked. We keep on.

Personal Power: We use our voices to be heard. This simple act transforms us from spectators to engaged citizens, and it reveals the true nature of democracy to us. We are volunteer-driven — trusting volunteers to make important decisions and to create and develop things that will be valued by Citizens’ Climate Lobby.

 


Being Nonpartisan: Our group is open to all who are serious about solving climate change. You are welcome no matter where you live, what you wear, what you do for a living, or who you voted for in the last election. We work with elected officials and community leaders from across the political spectrum because we believe that everyone is a potential ally.

Diversity: We empower everyone in exercising their personal and political power regardless of race, ethnicity, nationality, gender, gender identity, sexual orientation, age, religion, ability or political affiliation. We seek out, support, and elevate people whose voices may not have been fully heard.