Driving Climate Solutions: 14 Canadian Cities Join GCoM Canada Cohort
The cities proudly announce their participation in the Global Covenant of Mayors for Climate and Energy (GCoM) Canada Cohort, a transformative initiative funded by the European Union to empower municipalities in the crucial phase of implementing climate mitigation and adaptation efforts.
In a bold move to combat climate change, fourteen Canadian cities are taking center stage by joining the GCoM Canada Cohort. Under the leadership of their respective mayors, each one of them is committed to meeting and exceeding its climate targets, ensuring a sustainable and resilient future for future generations.
The Cohort initiative will provide tailored support to all cities, combining group training with one-to-one mentoring and support. ICLEI Canada, one of the leading institutions in the subnational climate agenda, will execute this project with GCoM and the European Union.
“Through the GCoM Canada Cohort, cities will access resources and expertise to drive meaningful change. GCoM and ICLEI are long-time partners, and we are confident in the impact that the Cohort will have in supporting these cities in their climate journey,” noted Megan Meaney, Executive Director of ICLEI Canada.
This commitment aligns with each participating city’s proactive approach to climate action. By joining the Cohort, they are not just making pledges but actively taking steps to act to reduce emissions and adapt to climate change. The European Union proudly supports municipalities like these in tackling climate challenges.
Ana Guallarte, Programme Manager at the European Union Delegation to Canada, emphasized the collaborative nature of the cohort. “This Cohort is a platform for municipalities to work together, share experiences, and collectively overcome challenges. The selected cities have been leading the subnational climate movement and have shown their commitment. That is why we believe that collaborative approaches like this cohort are key to achieving impactful climate action at the local level.”
Cohort Cities and Areas of Support
The 14 cities joining the GCoM Canada Cohort: Durham (ON), Fredericton (NB), Guelph (ON), Halifax (NS), Hamilton (ON), Huron-Kinloss (ON), Laval (QC), Mississauga (ON), Ottawa (ON), Saskatoon (SK), St. Catharines (ON), St. John’s (NL), and Windsor (ON), all committed to climate action.
Areas of Support
The GCoM Canada Implementation Cohort focuses on three key areas:
- Identifying and Securing Capital and Operations Funding: Cities will receive support in identifying and securing funding for their climate initiatives, ensuring sustainable financial backing.
- Working across Municipal Departments and Community Partners: The Cohort emphasizes collaboration within municipalities and with community partners to enhance the effectiveness of climate actions.
- Maintaining, Monitoring, and Evaluation: Cities will receive guidance on preserving, monitoring, and evaluating the impact of their climate initiatives, ensuring ongoing success and progress.
To learn more about the areas of support, visit the Canada Cohort page.
Climate leadership in Canada
These 14 Canadian cities exemplify the forefront of climate leadership in Canada. By actively participating in initiatives like the Global Covenant of Mayors for Climate and Energy (GCoM) Canada Cohort, they showcase a dedication to tangible action in combating climate change. With their collective efforts and innovative strategies, the Cohort members are shaping a more sustainable future for their residents and inspiring other municipalities across the country to follow suit, thereby leading the charge toward a greener and more resilient nation.
