Fall Campaign 2026

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Fall Campaign 2026

INFORMATION and RESOURCES

About Ecological Justice: It's Not Complicated

Canadian Jesuits International’s (CJI) 2026 campaign, Ecological Justice: It’s not complicated, highlights how care for our common home cannot be separated from human dignity, social justice and peace. It illustrates how environmental degradation disproportionately affects the poor and marginalized. As the environment deteriorates, these communities, who are least responsible for the ecological crises, are often the first to lose their homes, livelihoods and food security.

This year’s campaign invites us to recognize our shared responsibility for our common home and one another. Drawing on insights from Laudato Si’, our partners, and guest speaker Brex Arevalo, we will explore the moral imperative of ecological justice and what this means for us in Canada. As we continue to fall short of climate commitments, the Sustainable Development Goals, and stronger accountability for Canadian companies operating abroad, we are called to reflect on how our choices, advocacy and public policies can advance ecological justice. This campaign invites each of us to help build a future where people and the planet can flourish together. It's not complicated.

Inequality is deepened by environmental degradation, climate change, and the Global North’s unsustainable models of development and consumption. Climate change threatens food systems, intensifies natural disasters, and forces people to migrate. Extractive industries, AI data centres and industrial agriculture are displacing Indigenous and rural communities in the Global South. They are also polluting water sources, destroying ecosystems, and leading to the loss of biodiversity.

At CJI we place social justice, human dignity, and solidarity at the center of our work. We believe that addressing ecological crises requires us to listen to communities that are most affected by them. Our Jesuit partners support communities as they defend their rights, strengthen local leadership, advocate for policy change and build livelihoods that protect both people and the environment.

In India, the Human Life Development and Research Centre (HLDRC) supports tea plantation workers advocating for fair wages, land rights and sustainable livelihoods. In the Dominican Republic, Centro Montalvo strengthens communities affected by mining and other extractive industries (many of which are based in Canada) by supporting local leaders in protecting their land. In Zambia, the Jesuit Centre for Theological Reflection (JCTR) equips citizens to advocate for accountable governance, economic justice, and sustainable development. Together, these initiatives show that ecological justice is best achieved when communities can meaningfully participate in decisions that directly affect them.

Guest Speaker: Brex Arevalo

Brex Arevalo is an environmental planner, climate justice advocate, and researcher who has dedicated his career to promoting environmental and social justice in the Asia-Pacificregion. Brex has more than nine years of experience working on climate change, pollution, air quality, and sustainable development. He collaborates with marginalized communities, civil society organizations, and policymakers to promote equitable and sustainable solutions to environmental challenges.

After spending years at Ecojesuit — the global communications platform and online resource centre for the Global Ignatian Advocacy Network — where his work was guided by Ignatian values, Brex now works with urban poor communities in Manila as Climate and Anti-Incineration Campaigner for the Global Alliance for Incinerator Alternatives (GAIA). He supports the advocacy efforts of these communities, whose homes, livelihoods, and dignity are threatened by a destructive waste-burning facility. He also advocates for policies that support a safe and just energy transition in the Global South. Brex has engaged with governments, the World Bank, and the Asian Development Bank on issues such as sustainable finance, pollution prevention, and environmental safeguards. He has contributed to regional and international climate advocacy through leadership roles with youth networks, faith-based organizations, and multilateral initiatives, including participation in UN climate processes and policy reviews. Through his work, he has amplified the voices of communities most affected by environmental degradation and climate change, helping to shape more inclusive and accountable environmental governance.

Brex holds degrees in Global Studies from Sophia University in Tokyo, Urban and Regional Planning, and Public Administration from the University of the Philippines in Metro Manila.

This October, Brex will visit Canada as part of Canadian Jesuits International’s campaign Ecological Justice; It’s not complicated. His experience of working with frontline communities, youth movements, and international institutions provides valuable insights into how environmental justice, human dignity, sustainable development, and youth leadership are interconnected.

WHAT YOU CAN DO:

Advocate for Corporate Accountability

Support the Pass a Due Diligence Law campaign.

CJI is part of the Canadian Network on Corporate Accountability (CNCA), which calls for a mandatory human rights and environmental due diligence law. This law would hold Canadian companies accountable for their overseas operations, some of which are linked to the displacement of Indigenous communities, environmental degradation, gender-based violence, and other human rights violations.

By supporting mandatory human rights and environmental due diligence legislation, you are helping to protect people and the planet.

Visit the CNCA Website and sign the petition calling for a due diligence law.

Send a letter to your Member of Parliament urging them to support stronger corporate accountability and environmental justice legislation by advocating for the Due Diligence Law. Find a template here. We invite you to edit the letter to make it your own.

You could also consider involving your school, parish, and community in efforts to raise awareness of this issue by sending a collective letter or contacting your municipal or provincial representative.

Take Action in Your Community

Change happens when communities come together and work as one to achieve shared goals.

Join an existing ecological justice or social justice group – or start one in your school, parish, campus ministry or community. Use the following resources to host discussions, organize educational events, plan advocacy initiatives, and inspire others to care for our common home. You don’t have to start from scratch. Local and national organizations are working to advance ecological justice in communities across Canada. Below you will find resources to help your group get started, along with campaigns you can support and opportunities to advocate for ecological justice.

Resources:

Laudato Si’ Movement – From conversation to action, this article provides 52 ways to care for creation.

For the Love of Creation Conversation Guide – It provides a toolkit for small groups to support conversations aboutclimate change in the context of faith.

EcoJesuit Letters to the Earth Initiative - It includes a Learning Toolkit for Educators in numerous languages and Ignatian Reflection Cards to enhance ecological education.

Laudato Si’ Climate Action – An extensive digital library that has numerous resources from educator guides to printable booklets and initiatives for your group whether you are a new group or a developing group ready to act through conversation or action

Catholic Climate Covenant and Ignatian Solidarity Network Climate Action in Highschool– A seven-part resource guide to support Catholic high school students to engage with conversations and actions around ecological justice.

Amnesty Canada’s Climate Justice Resource Kit – It provides creative ways to host group sessions to keep the conversation around Climate Justice going, including a living library, hosting an Art Build or leading a Climate Circle.

Campaigns to Get Involved In: We encourage you or your group to support or learn from the following initiatives:

No More Coal in Canada

Environmental Defense Campaigns

Ecojustice Campaigns

Global Ignatian Advocacy Network: Jesuits for Climate Justice Campaign

Together, we can build stronger communities and turn awareness into meaningful action.

Make an Ecological Justice Pledge

Justice begins with the choices we make every day. We invite individuals, families, schools, and parishes to commit to meaningful actions that protect and care for our common home.

Whether you commit to reduce waste, protect local ecosystems, support Indigenous-led initiatives such as local Land Back Campaigns, protection of wildlife and water or fossil fuel resistance, advocate for environmental policy change, or deepen your understanding of ecological justice, every action contributes to building a just and sustainable future.