The Canada climate trial began in Federal Court in Vancouver on October 26, 2026, with 15 young Canadians arguing that federal government conduct contributing to climate change violates their constitutional rights.

Key Takeaways

  • The plaintiffs challenge fossil fuel subsidies, extraction project approvals and missed emissions commitments.
  • They are seeking a court declaration and an order for a climate recovery plan.
  • The evidentiary stage is scheduled to run through November 20, 2026.

What the Canada climate trial challenges

Filed in 2019, La Rose v. His Majesty the King alleges that federal conduct violates the plaintiffs’ rights to life, liberty and security of the person under Section 7 of the Canadian Charter of Rights and Freedoms.

The plaintiffs challenge both government actions, including fossil fuel subsidies and approvals of major extraction projects, and its failure to meet its own greenhouse gas emissions reduction commitments. They say climate impacts have affected them through displacement from wildfires and flooding, worsening health conditions and disruption to Indigenous cultural practices.

What the plaintiffs are seeking

The plaintiffs want the court to declare that the government’s conduct violates their Section 7 rights. They also seek an order requiring the development and implementation of a science-based climate recovery plan to reduce Canada’s greenhouse gas emissions and decarbonize its energy system.

The case reaches trial after years of procedural challenges. A unanimous Federal Court of Appeal decision in 2023 allowed it to proceed. In June 2026, Federal Court Justice Fothergill described the case as a matter of considerable public importance because of its factual context and constitutional implications.

Trial schedule

The evidentiary stage is scheduled for October 26 through November 20, 2026. The court is expected to hear from the youth plaintiffs and expert witnesses in climate science, children’s health, renewable energy, climate policy and economics.

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