Three Canadian women sue government over climate inaction

Three Canadian women have launched a lawsuit against their government, accusing it of failing to take adequate action on climate change. The legal challenge asserts that the current administration's policies, particularly recent environmental rollbacks, violate the women's fundamental rights.

The lawsuit specifically targets measures enacted since the Liberal government, led by Prime Minister Mark Carney, took office in March 2025. These measures include the abolition of the carbon tax for individuals and the removal of emissions caps for the oil and gas sector.

Plaintiffs argue that these policy changes exacerbate the climate crisis, thereby infringing upon their rights to life, security, and equality. They contend that the government has a constitutional duty to protect its citizens from the severe risks posed by climate change, a duty they believe is being neglected.

This legal action follows a growing trend of climate litigation globally, where citizens are using the courts to hold governments accountable for their climate commitments. The outcome of this case could set a significant precedent for environmental law and government responsibility in Canada.