Canadian teachers launch national pro-democracy campaign

Ottawa – February 13, 2013 – “Hear my voice”, a national campaign recently launched by the Canadian Teachers’ Federation (CTF), aims to mobilize the growing number of teachers and their supporters concerned about the state of democracy in Canada.

“Teachers are passionate advocates for social justice who strive to prepare their students to become responsible members of society,” says CTF President Paul Taillefer. “But when they witness the silencing of voices of dissent, the dismantling of social programs and public services, the demonizing of charities and labour organizations and the diminishing of Canada’s reputation on the world stage, they become very concerned that these measures are sending the wrong message about democracy to their students.”

The CTF, UFCW Canada, and other leading social justice and civil rights organizations are among the many groups targeted by the Harper government’s initiatives. A recent example is Bill C-377 which was pushed quickly through the House of Commons with little debate and no consultation despite attempts by UFCW Canada activists and many concerned community members to meet with federal Conservative MPs about the issue.

“Stephen Harper needs to learn that good government means listening to all voices,” says UFCW Canada National President Wayne Hanley. “Government decisions impact the lives of millions of Canadians, and those decisions should be guided by respectful consultation and ongoing dialogue with all sectors of the population – not just with those few who share the same ideology.”

The “Hear My Voice” campaign calls on activists to contact their federal MPs via postcards, in person and/or with social media to urge them to put an end to “excessive government secrecy; corruption and waste; attacks on unions; the exclusion of voices and decline of democracy.”

To find out more about this important campaign, visit Hear My Voice.