The first youth climate trial against Ottawa opens in Vancouver

From seven provinces and two territories

15 young plaintiffs

Fifteen young plaintiffs say federal climate policy violates their Charter right to life, liberty and security of the person.

Kira Young, 20, of Yellowknife, was the first to testify. She described fleeing her city's 2023 wildfire evacuation and said she fears living through it again.

The plaintiffs' lawyer says the court need not set policy, only decide whether the Charter protects them. Ottawa's lawyer says the Charter was never meant to resolve existential crises.

What's next

Testimony from the plaintiffs and experts runs through at least Nov 20, and final arguments are scheduled for February.