Earth Day brings two protests to Sherbrooke
By William Crooks
Local Journalism Initiative
On Earth Day, April 22, two protests on two different but related issues took place in Sherbrooke. In addition, Canadians revealed their views on Earth Day and related topics in a recently released Ipsos poll.
In the morning, agricultural producers in Estrie, Quebec, joined their peers across the province to amplify their call for government understanding. In a significant demonstration, at least 500 individuals, along with over a hundred tractors and other farm vehicles, convened on Boulevard Bourque in Sherbrooke. They gathered in front of the offices of the Ministry of Agriculture, Fisheries, and Food, delivering a message about the challenges they face.
Michel Brien, a dairy and hay producer from Racine and president of the UPA-Estrie Federation, voiced the concerns of the farming community in an April 22 press release.
“Inflation, interest rates, and the rising cost of agricultural land are decimating farms. Climate variability and global market pressures threaten the rest. Agricultural zones are continuously being reduced, and bureaucratic burdens are increasing. Far from the autonomy desired by the Quebec government, it is now food security that we need to worry about,” he said.
In the afternoon, nearly 500 people took part in a protest aimed at climate change that began at Sherbrooke’s CEGEP and wound its way through downtown to the intersection of Belvédère and King Ouest. Chanting slogans, the procession was headed by a banner reading “The Planet Burns,” and many others held signs saying “Planet on Strike.” “There is no work on a dead planet,” one sign added.
A recent Ipsos poll conducted for Earth Day Canada reveals insights into Canadians’ awareness and behaviors related to environmental issues and sustainable commuting. The poll was conducted online from Feb. 12 to 16, surveying 1,000 Canadian adults, with results weighted to reflect the population according to the latest census data.
Earth Day Awareness and Participation
54 percent of Canadians acknowledge the severe effects of climate change personally, with 67 percent anticipating more extreme weather conditions.
Regarding Earth Day awareness, only 44 percent of respondents were aware of the date.
Sustainable Commuting Preferences
The survey indicates a strong preference among Canadians for more sustainable and affordable commuting options. 59 percent agree with the need for such options broadly, with 76 percent of employed Canadians specifically favoring sustainable commuting.
Despite a considerable percentage favoring sustainable methods, actual commuting patterns show minor differences between current methods and preferred options if costs and convenience were equalized.
Barriers and Employer Support
Key barriers to sustainable commuting include lack of infrastructure, policy support, and personal constraints like commuting distance and family obligations.
28 percent of all Canadians would be more inclined towards sustainable commuting if their employers offered relevant incentives and infrastructure, a sentiment even stronger among the employed at 35 percent.