In September 2025, ORCIE organized a successful multi-day “Learning & Lobbying” series that culminated in meetings on Parliament Hill in Ottawa with MPs and senior policy staff from Environment and Climate Change, Natural Resources, Finance, and Foreign Affairs.
Productive lobbying meetings were held with Rob Oliphant (Liberal), Elizabeth May (Green), Garth Ehrhardt (ECCC), Don Davies (NDP).
During these discussions, ORCIE emphasized Canada’s responsibility to do its fair share in confronting the climate emergency—by capping fossil fuel emissions and production, accelerating investment in clean energy, and fulfilling its international commitments. The delegation also raised how unsustainable debt burdens, reduced aid, and an unjust global financial system continue to disadvantage countries in the Global South.
Preparation began with an online webinar featuring Seth Klein and Anjali Appadurai from the Climate Emergency Unit, who shared insights on climate policy and effective advocacy. Facilitated by Genevieve Gallant, Executive Director of ORCIE, and Sue Wilson, CSJ, PhD, from the Office for Systemic Justice, Federation of the Sisters of St. Joseph of Canada, the session helped 43 participants build their confidence and refine messaging using the Fair Shares Platform.
An in-person advocacy training followed at St. Paul University, led by Genevieve Gallant, Executive Director, and Sasquia Antúnez Pineda, Advocacy and Communications Officer at ORCIE. Participants reviewed ORCIE’s lobby guide, policy briefs, and key talking points before practicing in small groups to prepare for meetings on the Hill.
We ended the day with a beautiful dinner at the home of Joe Gunn, ORCIE’s Treasurer—a warm and inspiring gathering that offered time to connect, share encouragement, and build community ahead of the meetings.
The final step brought together ten ORCIE participants—including members from several congregations and ORCIE staff—for in-person meetings with six MPs and three senior policy staff on Parliament Hill. Each conversation focused on ORCIE’s policy asks rooted in the Fair Shares Platform and our domestic climate policy brief. These meetings opened space for meaningful dialogue, and participants gathered thoughtful feedback from MPs that will guide future engagement, including follow-up meetings with regional representatives.
Productive lobbying meetings were held with Alexandre Boulerice (NDP), Corey Hogan (Liberal), Eric St. Pierre (Liberal), Steven Kuhn (AADM International Trade & Finance), and Sophie Kiwala (Chief of Staff for Yasir Naqvi, International Development).
The experience wrapped up with a debrief and drinks at a local Ottawa restaurant, where participants reflected on their conversations, shared insights, and explored next steps together—closing the series with a strong sense of collaboration, community, and shared purpose for global climate justice.
Watch the full webinar recording at orcie.org/resources.
