'They are very, very powerful': Edmonton rally against RBC part of nationwide climate action plea
A handful of Edmontonians participated in a nationwide demonstration against Canada's biggest bank's continued support of fossil fuel projects.
The group gathered outside the Royal Bank of Canada's branch at Unity Square Saturday afternoon, sharing messages about the need to divest from non-renewable energy sources as climate change affects more communities across the world.
Similar protests were held at 39 other locations across the country in Toronto, Ottawa, Winnipeg, Halifax and Vancouver on April's Fool Day ahead of the bank's annual general meeting for shareholders. Many of the events used 'fossil fool's day' messaging.
"They are very, very powerful," said Josefine Singh, an organizer in Edmonton. "If they do a good thing, every other bank will do a good thing too. It's an influencing thing."
Singh said she hopes shareholders accelerate the pace of divestment from energy sources that negatively impact the environment and greenhouse gas emissions.
"We want to influence them," she added. "So that they can vote; please don't invest more in oil and gas."
"We want to hold them accountable."
Protesters gathered outside the Unity Square RBC branch in central Edmonton on Saturday, April 1, 2023 (CTV News Edmonton/John Hanson).
Some protesters held signs saying, "Fossil fool me once, shame on you," and "Solidarity with Wet'suwet'en." Others chanted or sang, "No more investing in pollution."
RBC has outlined a plan to reduce its financed emissions by 2030, with an end goal of achieving net-zero status by 2050.
"We have committed to providing $500 billion in sustainable finance by 2025, and we have provided $198 billion towards this goal as of the end of 2021," the bank says on its climate commitment website.
With files from The Canadian Press
CTVNews.ca Top Stories
DEVELOPING Live updates as Stormy Daniels testifies at Trump hush money trial
Adult film star Stormy Daniels will take the stand a second time Thursday as former U.S. president Donald Trump’s hush money case continues in Manhattan. Follow live updates here.
BREAKING Sheldon Keefe out as head coach of Toronto Maple Leafs
The Toronto Maple Leafs have fired head coach Sheldon Keefe. The team made the announcement Thursday after the Original Six franchise lost to the Boston Bruins in seven games in the first round of the Stanley Cup playoffs.
Bank of Canada says financial system is stable, but risks remain
The Bank of Canada says the Canadian financial system is stable, but risks remain due to debt servicing costs among households and businesses and stretched valuations of financial assets.
Why these immigrants to Canada say they're thinking about leaving, or have already moved on
For some immigrants, their dreams of permanently settling in Canada have taken an unexpected twist.
Here are the ultraprocessed foods you most need to avoid, according to a 30-year study
Studies have shown that ultraprocessed foods can have a detrimental impact on health. But 30 years of research show they don’t all have the same impact.
Ontario man frustrated after $3,500 paving job leaves driveway in shambles
An Ontario man considering having his driveway paved received a quote from a company for $7,000, but then, another paver in the neighbourhood knocked on his door and offered half that rate.
RateMDs violates privacy of health professionals, class-action lawsuit claims
A lawsuit against RateMDs has been given the go-ahead by a B.C. Supreme Court judge who found the claim that the website violates the privacy rights of medical professionals is not 'bound to fail.'
Capital gains tax change 'shortsighted' and 'sows division' business groups tell Freeland
Forging ahead with increasing Canada's capital gains inclusion rate 'sows division,' and is a 'shortsighted' way to improve the deficit, business groups are warning Finance Minister Chrystia Freeland.
Court to hear about search for remains as Winnipeg murder trial enters second day
A courtroom in Winnipeg is expected to hear testimony today about the search for the remains of the four victims of Jeremy Skibicki.