May 11th, 2022

MC Canada sets up carbon levy for travel to Gathering 2022

Contributions will be made to new creation care fund

Gathering 2022 registrants can offset greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions from their travel to Edmonton by donating to a new fund established by Mennonite Church Canada.

This carbon levy contributes to MC Canada’s creation care fund, the creation of which was approved by Joint Council on April 9 and 10, 2022.

“We can all make an important contribution to shifting away from fossil fuels,” says Calvin Quan, moderator of Mennonite Church Canada. “The creation care fund is a practical way we can offset and reduce our carbon footprint.”

Initially the creation care fund will provide emission reduction grants to congregations who undertake projects to lower greenhouse gas emissions from their buildings and operations.

The grant application process, which will open in fall 2022, will encourage congregations to look at all aspects of their sustainability within their communities.

MC Canada’s Sustainability Leadership Group will evaluate grant applications and the nationwide climate-action staff position will be responsible for implementation.

Revenue for the fund will come from a GHG carbon levy related to MC Canada’s operations, including travel by staff, executive ministers and Joint Council; donations by individuals, congregations and regional churches; and interest earned by the fund.

The levy amount ($/tonne of CO2e) is set by Joint Council and is currently $50. Suggestions for contribution amounts are below and were calculated at www.less.ca. 

Air travel – Return Travel to Edmonton (less.ca, high-altitude impact)

Car Travel

Contributions to the carbon levy for travel to Gathering 2022 can be made at mennonitechurch.ca/gathering2022.

Media contact

Katie Doke Sawatzky

Communications coordinator

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