Stop The Silencing Of Charities

Over the past two years, the federal government has accused citizens and groups who question risky projects like Enbridge's Northern Gateway tankers and pipelines project of promoting "a radical ideological agenda", or worse. After the government ear-marked $8 million for increased audits by the Canada Revenue Agency, several of Canada's most prominent environmental charities have been singled out for audits by the Canada Revenue Agency. And the chilling effect of these tactics extends to charities outside of the environmental sector.

Ensuring that charities follow the rules is good - but attempting to silence charities, and public debate, with scare tactics is not.

Environmental charities work tirelessly to protect Canadian families by keeping our environment clean and safe. And groups like ours have played an essential role in making positive changes in Canadian society, such as stronger laws to protect drinking water, prevent drinking and driving, and discourage smoking. The world is a better place when charities have an active role in shaping our common future.

We all benefit from an active, diverse conversation about what we want for our country. Act now to put an end to the threatening rhetoric that is putting a chilling effect on Canadian charities.

References:
Natural Resources Canada, "An open letter from the Honourable Joe Oliver, Minister of Natural Resources, on Canada's commitment to diversify our energy markets and the need to further streamline the regulatory process in order to advance Canada's national economic interest" (9 January 2012)

CBC News, "Environmental charities 'laundering' foreign funds, Kent says" (1 May 2012)

Vancouver Observer, "Government labels environmentalists "terrorist threat" in new report" (10 February 2012)

CBC News, "7 environmental charities face Canada Revenue Agency audits" (6 February 2014)

Toronto Star, "Canada Revenue audit of green groups raises spectre of intimidation: Editorial" (20 February 2014)

West Coast Environmental Law, "The world is better when charities are heard" (7 February 2014)
Dear Prime Minister Harper and Minister Flaherty,

I am writing to you today to urge you to stop your inflammatory comments and scare tactics directed at Canadian environmental charities.

[Your comment will be added here]

Charities play an important role in standing up for the public interest in policy decisions. When we hear from a diverse range of voices, including charities, we get better decisions that respect Canadian values.

Attempting to silence environmental charities through intimidating language and through taxpayer funded audits does not contribute to an open and inclusive discussion about public issues. I urge you to recognize the value of hearing from a diverse range of voices instead of shutting charities out.

Sincerely,

[your name]
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