Regina students walk out of class and onto the streets for Global Climate Strike

Protesters took to the streets Friday morning in Regina to voice their concerns on climate change in Saskatchewan.

The east lane northbound on Albert Street was closed to traffic as hundreds of people began their journey from the Royal Saskatchewan Museum to the Saskatchewan Legislative Building as part of the Global Climate Strike. Like last Friday and many others before, Fridays For Future Regina has been organizing climate strikes in the city since March.

Drivers honked their horns in support of the rally, and even some pedestrians joined in as the group arrived at the steps of the legislative building.

A lane of traffic has been closed off here on the Albert Street Bridge as the climate strike makes its way to the Saskatchewan Legislative Building. #YQR #Regina pic.twitter.com/9mlKofeTqf

— Moises Canales (@MoisesCanalesJr) September 27, 2019

Protesters turn the corner towards the Sask. Legislative here in Regina. People of all ages participating in this rally. #YQR #Regina pic.twitter.com/hkVSQn0noS

— Moises Canales (@MoisesCanalesJr) September 27, 2019

Youth were joined by members of the solar power industry, local politicians and others from the community to participate in a climate strike that many are participating in across the globe.

Representatives of solar power companies were in attendance after the government announced the suspension of the net metering program in Saskatchewan.

One of the speakers at the event was Miguel Catellier, president of TruGreen Energy . When delivering his speech to the crowd with a megaphone, he shared his concerns on the government’s decision regarding net metering.

“For them to even consider taking it away would bring Saskatchewan right back to the Stone Age. It’s embarrassing that we’re even talking about it,” said Catellier. “We’re fighting for our jobs because we can’t generate any new business.”

Children participated in an activity called a ‘Die-in’ where they lied down on the steps in front of the legislative building while volunteers traced around their bodies. (Photo: Moises Canales/620 CKRM)

Students gather outside of the legislative in Regina for the Global Climate Strike. (Photo: Moises Canales/620 CKRM)

Members of provincial and federal politics were at the rally on Friday morning. Minister of Emergency Preparedness and Regina-Wascana Liberal candidate Ralph Goodale stood on the side to greet protesters as they began making their way to the legislature.

Naomi Hunter, Green Party candidate for Regina-Lewvan, watched on as her daughter North helped lead the march. Her son Isaiah also participated.

“She is just one of the youth who are really working to make sure that everybody has a future,” said Hunter.

Fridays For Future Regina has been organizing climate strikes in the city since March. A lot of work has gone into voicing their concerns in regards to climate change and the environment.

Hunter noted how both Saskatchewan and Alberta are the reason why the country is not meeting the what is stated in the Paris Agreement involving greenhouse gas emissions. But she said strikes such as this one will help spread their message to save the environment.

“Enough is enough. We are going to rise up and show them that we’ve had it.”

Sask. NDP representatives including Trent Wotherspoon and Carla Beck were at the event on Legislative Drive in Regina. Premier Scott Moe and Minister of Environment Dustin Duncan did not attend.