Canada’s Top Court to Decide on Youth-Led Climate Case That Could Redefine Government Accountability

Ottawa, May 1, 2025 – The Supreme Court of Canada is expected to announce today whether it will hear a landmark climate change case brought forward by seven youth activists challenging Ontario’s weakened emissions targets. The case could shape how governments are constitutionally held accountable for their role in addressing the climate crisis.

At the heart of the case is a claim that Ontario’s rollback of its greenhouse gas emissions target violates the Charter of Rights and Freedoms by endangering the right to life and security of younger generations. Filed in 2019 by then-12-year-old Sophia Mathur and six others, the lawsuit argues that by locking in dangerously high pollution levels, the government is failing to protect citizens from worsening climate impacts.

Legal experts have called the case “trailblazing,” as it marks the first time a Canadian court has conducted a full hearing into whether a government’s climate policy breaches constitutional rights. While previous lawsuits were often dismissed early for being too political or broad, this case reached a higher threshold of legal consideration.

Ontario is appealing to the Supreme Court, arguing that the matter raises issues of national importance and could set a precedent that binds governments to constitutionally fight climate change.

If the Supreme Court agrees to hear the case, it could open the door for future legal challenges that hold governments accountable for emissions and compel stronger climate action through constitutional law.