April 30, 2025
A Message from our President
The U.S. President is a grave threat to our sovereignty and economy. How our governments respond is key. But the draconian law proposed by the Ontario Government is a terrible response.
Bill 5, the “Protect Ontario by Unleashing our Economy Act,” would give the provincial government sweeping powers to designate special economic zones. In these zones, existing laws and environmental protections can be overridden to allow immediate development. Municipal planning rules, environmental assessments, the Ontario Endangered Species Act – all ignored. What’s more, Bill 5 undermines Indigenous rights to free, prior and informed consent regarding projects on their territories.
Furthermore, under Bill 5 Cabinet can designate “trusted proponents” and special projects that fit unknown criteria at their discretion. Certain developers would get special treatment – exactly what happened with the Greenbelt carve-outs in 2023. The Bill would affect any project: the tunnel under the 401, the Ring of Fire in the north, Greenbelt lands, garbage dumps or paving over farmland.
To rub salt in the wound, the Bill also contains extensive provisions to block court actions that might arise in response to these new powers.
It’s the kind of law Donald Trump would love.
– Burkhard 
The Kids Are Alright
We are delighted to share the winners of the 2025 Canadian Youth Climate Action Awards. These annual awards, held in partnership with Pivot Green, celebrate youth-led climate action projects across the country. For their efforts to restore a vital carbon sink in Vancouver, the Burns Bog Youth Stewardship Project won a $7,500 first prize, along with a plaque recognizing their contributions. This work brought together Indigenous youth, new Canadians and other youth in an effort one judge described as “tak[ing] my breath away; it straddles so many important pillars of climate action, including social change, concrete action, education, financial support and connection to Indigenous communities and teachings.”In addition to first place, two runner-up and eight honourable mention prizes were awarded. For more information about this year’s recipients, check out the 2025 Award Winner Profiles. BIG thanks to all the generous donors, and to the hardworking volunteers at Pivot Green, who have made these awards a wonderful success.
Our New Look
We’re excited to unveil our newly redesigned website. It is a dynamic platform designed to inspire, connect and empower change-makers like you.
Small Change Fund acts as a catalyst for individuals and grassroots organizations working to improve the environment and reduce poverty. We also work with Indigenous Peoples to support the protection of their lands, waters and communities. Our new website reflects these commitments, making it easier than ever for you to explore the impactful campaigns and partners we support, find a cause that resonates with you and learn how your contributions drive change.
This redesign isn’t just about a fresh look, it’s about creating efficiencies to better serve our community. Whether you’re an individual with a bold idea, a grassroots group seeking support or a donor ready to make a difference, our website is your gateway to turning good intentions into great results. Bring your change here.
Photo by Movement
Partner Post: Building a Movement for Better Transit in Metro Vancouver
Every day, many of Metro Vancouver’s one million transit riders are left behind by full buses. We clearly have enough people to turn the tide for better transit, we just need to get them engaged. We’re working with Small Change Fund to build a movement to do just that.
Recently, our group Movement snapped into action to prevent severe cuts to transit funding. We’re happy to say that a deal was reached that averts cuts and increases transit service by 5%. Our efforts – canvassing at bus stops, social media, viral articles, op-eds, events, talking to people at houses of worship, and more – generated over 3,000 emails to MLAs and another 3,000 to the region’s mayors. We were in the media dozens of times and hosted a rally attended by 300 supporters who braved the pouring rain. However, even these incredible results are not yet enough to eliminate overcrowding, and the funding runs out in 2027. So, we’ll express our gratitude to the politicians involved and keep pushing for a long-term solution.
– Denis Agar, Executive Director, Movement
Celebrating Our Planet
For many of us, Earth Day – or month – is a yearlong affair. Even so, April provides an excellent opportunity for us to draw attention to the critical work our partners are doing, from conservation and climate action to making cities more sustainable.
Clockwise in the above collage:
1. A scene from the fourth annual Earth Day Street Party, hosted by our partners Climate Momentum in Stratford, Ontario. The party included food, music, art and eco-community! Photo courtesy of Sarah Lappano Photography.
2 & 3. Seniors for Climate hosted a series of events across Canada as part of our Seniors Climate Action Days project. Their documentary, Later is Too Late, is now available to view as a 60-minute or 23-minute version.
4. A screening of Plastic People at the National Academy of Sciences in Washington, D.C, co-hosted by the Academy and the DC Environmental Film Festival. Additionally, this month 33 Plastic People community screening events were held globally by our impact partners.
A Key to the City
Congratulations to singer-songwriter and long-time advocate Sarah Harmer for receiving the key to the City of Burlington on April 16. Sarah was also awarded the prestigious Humanitarian Award at the 2025 JUNOs.
You can check out the JUNOs feature on Sarah from 2h 32m – 2h 45m. Sarah gives a beautiful and inspiring speech, and her work is even co-introduced by Small Change Fund’s own Mike Balkwill!
Small News Bites
- It’s National Volunteer Week and we are giving a shout out to the countless volunteers who help us make change. So many of our projects would not be possible without the tireless efforts of volunteers – from organizing rallies, to designing posters to attending council meetings. Volunteers, every day – but especially this week – we celebrate you!
- Don’t forget, you can tune into the Mount Nemo Ontario Land Tribunal hearings to show your support for the protection of this UNESCO World Biosphere Reserve. The Tribunal will run through mid-June and your next opportunity to tune in is today! There are also hearings scheduled May 1 – May 7, excluding the weekend.
- Check out the latest episode of Hot Globe, featuring a deep dive into the world of climate misinformation. Miguel uncovers Canadian sources of misinformation and hosts a Joe Rogan-style podcast of his own.
- Through May 5, Toronto residents have a rare opportunity to share their thoughts on noise pollution with the Toronto Board of Health. Learn more from our partners at No More Noise Toronto.
We hope you’re starting to enjoy some spring flowers in your neck of the woods!
Sincerely,
The Small Change Fund Team
P.S. Please consider making a donation directly to Small Change Fund to allow us to keep improving services and supports to help more grassroots projects succeed nationwide. Thank you for helping make change!
