Democracy

New report says federal government “dismantling democracy”

16 June 2015 (Ottawa) — In a hard-hitting report that documents federal government tactics that undermine Canadian democracy, a coalition of citizens’ groups calls for a fundamental shift in actions and attitudes to promote healthy debate, dissent and diversity.

Voices, a volunteer-led coalition of more than 200 citizens’ groups, has developed more than 110 case studies that ‘connect the dots’, showing a pattern of actions by the federal government to silence critics, stifle debate, diminish knowledge, and dodge accountability.

Dismantling Democracy: Stifling debate and dissent in Canada

Dismantling Democracy: Stifling debate and dissent in Canada documents the abuse of parliamentary rules, the intimidation of public servants, and the defunding and intimidation of organizations that hold views at odds with the government.

From scuttling the long-form census, to muzzling scientists, to cutting funding for evidence-based advocacy, the federal government has pursued a deliberate strategy to repress alternative views.

#StopC51 Week of Education kicks off

For Immediate Release

Canadians use social media and local gatherings to educate neighbours and MPs, as #StopC51 Week of Education kicks off

With many MPs home in their ridings in advance of crucial vote, over 50 online and offline activities will take place right across Canada for #StopC51 Week of Education

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Volunteer with Voices-Voix

Attacks on rights and freedoms got you down? Worried the federal government is chasing non-profits and charities out of existence? Think it's important that dissent, free speech and democracy are protected in Canada?

Then the Voices-Voix Coalition is the place for you! We're currently looking for volunteers and interns who will be able to help us continue to shine a light on cases of stifling of dissent and democracy in Canada.

Case study #107: Bill C-51: Anti-Terrorism Act, 2015

As Canadian parliament, and Canadian society, debated Bill C-51, Voices-Voix is adding to the debate by publishing our in-depth case study looking at the proposed legislation. The amendments proposed represent the most sweeping changes to the powers of CSIS since its inception in 1984.

Open letter: Enhancing the role of charities in public policy debates in Canada, request for a platform commitment

The following is an open letter that was sent to all five federal political parties by 18 charities and civil society groups concerned about the ongoing targeted audits of charities in Canada and the resulting "advocacy chill" is has caused. While Voices-Voix is not a signatory, we are re-publishing the letter in full as it reflects much of the research we have carried on the topic over the past months.

February 10, 2015

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Ask questions, get audited: the case of PEN Canada

Dear Voices-Voix supporters,

What happens when a champion of free expression asks questions of the Canada Revenue Agency's audits of charities? Especially if you voice concerns over the apparent targeting of progressive charities? Well, in the case of PEN Canada, you get audited too.

Case study #104: PEN Canada

What happens when a champion of free expression asks questions of the Canada Revenue Agency's audits of charities? Especially if you voice concerns over the apparent targeting of progressive charities? Well, in the case of PEN Canada, you get audited too.

Charity law blocks progress on issues facing Canadians

By Garfield Mahood and Brian Iler, the Toronto Star, 14 Feb 2015

Canadian charities are under attack. Environmental, human rights and international development charities, organizations struggling to address poverty and women’s issues are examples of non-governmental organizations that have lost their ability to issue charitable tax credits under the Income Tax Act. Either that or they face the threat of a loss as a result of ongoing Canada Revenue Agency audits.

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Long-form census is needed for good decision-making: Editorial

By The Toronto Star, 5 February 2015

It’s like pulling government policies out of a black hole.

That’s what groups as varied as the Canadian Chamber of Commerce, doctors, charities, city planners, educators, economists, business leaders, scientists, academics, pollsters, civic activists and ordinary citizens alike have been arguing since the Harper government ditched the long-form census back in 2010. (...)