On June 4, CUPE will be joining individuals and groups across the country in calling for democracy and the public interest.
As part of the BlackOutSpeakOut campaign, we will be darkening our national website, cupe.ca, to support the right of environmental groups to speak out, and to draw attention to the ways in which the proposed changes in the federal budget bill (Bill C-38) will weaken environmental rules and silence the voices of those who defend them.
A large number of Canadian organizations, charities, non-governmental organizations, unions and social groups have joined together to defend our rights. This attack on environmental groups is part of a concerted attack by the Harper government to silence any alternative political voices.
The Harper government has consistently acted to silence opposing voices in society – including attacks on environmental groups, charitable organizations, labour voices and our rights to collectively bargain and to pursue political advocacy.
We have already spoken out about the gutting of the court challenges program, which allowed marginalized groups to ask the courts to examine unfair laws. We have spoken out about the politically motivated attacks on our partners working for global justice – at Rights and Democracy, at Kairos – all examples of the Harper agenda to silence dissent. We have spoken out against these attacks because it is crucial that we stand together to protect our rights and oppose the dangerous prevailing attitude of the Harper government that if you’re not with us or you’re against us.
Silence is not an option. Please join us in speaking out and demonstrating that Canadians from all walks of life will come together to defend core democratic principles.
- Visit blackoutspeakout.ca to find out how you can get involved, and join us in speaking up.