Companies across Canada are showing solidarity with climate change protesters, by closing their offices to allow staff to join the Toronto protest
Today marks #FridaysforFuture, a global movement which began in August 2018, after then 15-year-old activist Greta Thunberg sat outside Swedish parliament for three weeks to protest the lack of action against climate change.
Here is the route map for this Friday’s Strike! The rally will begin at 11am and the march will begin at 12pm, both at Queen’s Park. The march will go through Wellesley down to Bay, across Queen and back up University. NOTE: This is subject to change according to turnout! pic.twitter.com/WkrL4WUQbO
— Fridays for Future Toronto (@TOforFuture) September 25, 2019
Today, thousands of protestors are expected to march through Toronto - a move which has been supported by various organizations in Canada, including Mountain Equipment Co-op (MEC), Lush Cosmetics and Bridgehead Coffee.
In an open letter to employees, MEC CEO Phil Arrata explained his decision: “We have known for a long time that operating our business and selling products has an impact on the planet. While our record of leadership in sustainability and advocacy makes us frontrunners in the outdoor industry, we recognize the need to take an even greater stand.
“We want to provide our staff with the opportunity to join Global Climate Strike demonstrations in their communities and let their voices be heard. On Friday, September 27, all MEC stores across the country will remain closed until 5pm (local time) to support staff who choose to lend their voice to the movement. Staff at our Head Office, Distribution Centres and Service Centre will also have the opportunity to join local demonstrations.”
Coffee chain Bridgehead was also quick to announce that they too will be closing all coffeehouses from 11.30-2.30 to allow all their staff to take part in the strike.
