Common Causes is an assembly of social movements dedicated to defending democracy, social justice, the environment and human rights in the face of an all-out assault by the Harper government. On September 13, 2012, 47 diverse regional and national organizations came together to share concerns about the country’s direction under the Harper government, and to create strategies to counter the federal government agenda that we believe is at odds with the values of the significant majority of people who live in Canada, Québec and on Indigenous lands.
Common Causes is made up of groups and organizations that represent workers, the poor, students, First Nations, women, environmentalists, farmers, educators, human rights and social justice advocates, immigrants and refugees, writers and artists, scientists, aid and development workers, front-line health care workers, and many others.
We are deeply troubled about the targeted attacks by the Harper government on democracy, environmental protection, public services, workers’ rights, indigenous communities, charitable organizations, independent scientists, civil liberties, and migrant, immigrant and refugee rights. The list is long and growing. These attacks, together with a radical right-wing policy agenda, are fundamentally changing the nature of Canada. Our mission is to unite people and communities to work in solidarity for change, and our goal is the just, equitable world and country that we know is possible.
We are also very concerned about the use of anti-democratic tactics to push forward this agenda. Accusations of electoral fraud are now before the courts. Faith in our democracy has been shaken by prorogations, contempt of Parliament citations, omnibus legislation rammed through Parliament, trade and investment agreements not opened to debate, and violations of financing regulations.
We do not accept that having a majority won with a mere 39.6 per cent of the vote, gives the Harper government the right to undo decades of social, environmental and human rights policies. Very little in the platform of the Conservative Party before the election prepared us for changes so profound they undermine people’s most basic human rights and democratic freedoms.
You are invited to a Common Causes Teach-in on Monday, February 25th at the Saint John Arts Centre. The issue is the threat of the use of private, public, partnership (P3)
financing in the building of the water treatment plant in Saint John. Speakers will deal with the P3 model and present alternative financial options. There will be an opportunity for questions and/or comments and ways to take action.
Taken from: COMMON CAUSES by Maude Barlow, Chairperson of the Council of Canadians
Website: www.commoncauses.com Keep in touch: adair@nb.sympatico.ca