Harper delay tactics doomed to fail as battle for democracy kicks in

Harper delay tactics doomed to fail as battle for democracy kicks in

“Stephen Harper’s suspension of Parliament is an attack on democracy and one more reason Harper and his government must go,” said Wayne Hanley, the National President of UFCW Canada, following the Governor General’s decision to grant Harper’s request to prorogue Parliament for seven weeks.

“Harper can run but he can’t hide from the majority of Canadian voters and their elected representatives,” Hanley said. “His shutting  of  Parliament is reason enough to reject his government, in addition to the harm it causes in further delaying action on Canada’s economic crisis.”

“Now more than ever we all have to get involved, keep the pressure on, and join with our allies and neighbours to continue to push for a new coalition government that has integrity and is ready with solutions to deal with the challenges facing Canadians and the economy.”

Parliament will resume January 26. “Between now and then Stephen Harper will find out what real democracy is about,” says Hanley. 

“Canadians deserve better and they will get it from a Coalition government that has a plan, is in touch with working Canadians, and is not about to be bullied by the likes of Harper.”

UFCW Canada members can play a part in a historic moment by participating in the new “Canadians Deserve Better” campaign, which asks working people to do four things:

1) Join the e-mail campaign. Send an e-mail to your MP telling him or her to defeat the Harper government in January and replace it with a coalition government that will provide Canada with economic leadership and hope. Feel free to use one of the pre-written messages. Sending an e-mail only takes a few seconds, and it makes a big difference.

2) Demonstrate. Bring your family to one of the rallies this week (click here for dates, times, and locations). Don’t forget to tell your friends and fellow UFCW Canada members about the rallies and why it’s so important for them to join us and get involved.

3) Spread the word. Talk to family members, friends, coworkers, and neighbours.

Make sure to remind them:
 

• Stephen Harper has attacked democracy by shutting down Parliament
• Stephen Harper has no plan to protect our jobs and pensions.
• Stephen Harper has given the banks $75-billion, but hasn’t invested a nickel in Canadian workers.
• We need a government that provides leadership, hope, and a real plan for tackling the growing economic crisis – right now.

4) Participate in the conversation. Take an active role in chat rooms, blogs, and call-in radio shows. Don’t let the Conservatives control the conversation. Speak up! Read the commentaries in your local newspapers, and respond with letters to the editor.