An Ongoing Saga...
MOTION - SUE BIG OIL
On October 2024, a motion was brought to the City of New Westminster, to join the countrywide movement of suing Big Oil. We helped with the motion presentation, speaking on the impact that the oil industry has on our futures.
From the Vancouver is Awesome website:
'Three students belonging to the Monkey Rebels advocacy group at Glenbrook Middle School asked council to “put yourself in our shoes” when considering the Sue Big Oil motion.
“I want you to understand the fear that we carry on our shoulders every day. I want you to feel the responsibility that we feel for our planet and the fear that we have that what we do will not be enough,” said one of the students. “The decision to start caring for our planet is not a question of life – it is a question of life or death. By passing this motion … you are choosing a future filled with prosperity over a future of death and destruction.”'
The motion was passed, but only after a full study; we are hopeful we can join the Sue Big Oil family this year!!!
'Three students belonging to the Monkey Rebels advocacy group at Glenbrook Middle School asked council to “put yourself in our shoes” when considering the Sue Big Oil motion.
“I want you to understand the fear that we carry on our shoulders every day. I want you to feel the responsibility that we feel for our planet and the fear that we have that what we do will not be enough,” said one of the students. “The decision to start caring for our planet is not a question of life – it is a question of life or death. By passing this motion … you are choosing a future filled with prosperity over a future of death and destruction.”'
The motion was passed, but only after a full study; we are hopeful we can join the Sue Big Oil family this year!!!
Update - Sue Big Oil
Aw hell naw!
We can't believe it's been a year! In December 2025, we decided to speak again in front of City Council because we read that, although the Sue Big Oil motion had passed, and we had the funds to join the lawsuit, now there was some question on whether the money could be put to better use on other things, such as a Christmas parade, banners for veterans and covering costs for youth on amateur sports... excuse us???
Our presentation was really well received. Counclmembers promised to work hard with other cities to ensure the lawsuit actually happens. After that, we joined forces with the lawyers that are running the lawsuit -- they even came to visit us and see what we thought of the lawsuit, and talked of collaboration in the future!
Some of us with Rin Ho,
from West Coast Environmental Law
from West Coast Environmental Law
And just last week, in March 2026,
New Westminster finally officially joined the lawsuit!
Now, we need a main plaintiff... maybe we can get New Westminster to step up?
New Westminster finally officially joined the lawsuit!
Now, we need a main plaintiff... maybe we can get New Westminster to step up?
