Closing the Gaps: Embedding Equity into Climate Policy and Infrastructure Decisions

Facilitated by Elissama Menezes, Climate Equity Specialist, and Addie Burkam, AIM Network.

When: September 16th, September 19th, September 23rd

Where: Saint John’s NL, Moncton NB, Halifax NS

Purpose:  This workshop aims to move from equity conversations to equity-informed climate policy and action. Building on foundational concepts, participants will reflect on how climate-related policies can unintentionally exacerbate inequities—and how to design policies that mitigate this effect. Together, we’ll dig into the intersection of climate risk, infrastructure systems, and systemic exclusion with practical strategies to make climate action more just, equitable, and effective. 

Who Should Attend:  
This session is best suited for:

• Those who have completed a previous LLCA or MAMP workshop, ideally completed the Introduction to Climate Equity Workshop and are ready to go deeper

• Municipal or government staff who are currently working on policies, bylaws, asset management, or infrastructure plans

• Community planners, policy advisors, CAOs, or engineers involved in capital planning or decision-making

• Staff developing projects for adaptation funding

• 
  Outcomes or Deliverables:  
  Participants will:

• Identify how current policies or service structures may disproportionately affect vulnerable groups

• Review and reflect on their own municipal documents (e.g., policies, land use plans) through an equity lens

• Explore examples of equity-informed policy shifts

• Develop a draft Climate Equity Roadmap and Action Plan, identifying areas for improvement, key actions, potential working groups, and consultation steps

• Leave with tools and frameworks to support implementation