The civil society representatives delivered messages to Kent on behalf of: youth, First Nations, faith, environmental organizations and vulnerable countries. They called on the minister to reverse Canada's position and take immediate and ambitious action to address climate change.

"The scientific community urges Ministers not to ignore the evidence; the problem is well defined; we now need to focus on solutions; further delay is not a responsible option," said Dr. John Stone, Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change Scientist.

"In regards to climate change, my people can tell you that yes, it is real. All First Nations are willing to share and teach, but are you ready to listen?" asked Mikey Etherington, Aboriginal Youth Initiatives, Ontario Federation of Indian Friendship Centres.

"Faith communities are concerned about the lack of progress in climate change negotiations and are monitoring them closely. We have a moral imperative to act," said Joy Kennedy, United Church of Canada Poverty, Wealth and Ecological Justice Coordinator.

"Time is short, but the opportunity still exists to give the next generation of Canadians the hope of a decent job and a sustainable future. That great transition must start now," said Brian Kohler, IndustriAll Global Union Director, Health, Safety and Sustainability.

This meeting was the first Minister Kent had with climate-focused civil society climate groups since becoming minister. In contrast Kent has met with the fossil fuel lobby at least 48 times since becoming Minister of the Environment.

Canada has again been singled out at the UN climate conference in Doha for a lack of action on combatting climate change. Canada for the fifth year in a row received the "Colossal Fossil Award" December 7, 2012 in Doha, except this year New Zealand shared the "award" alongside Canada.

The "Colossal Fossil," is a moniker awarded annually by Climate Action Network International, a group of roughly 700 NGOs whose members vote to select the country or countries that have done the most to block progress at the United Nations Climate Change Conference.