With an upcoming election, Canadians need to be clear about what they want.
That is why The Council of Canadians has started a campaign called Unite For The Canada We Want. There’s nothing like a threat to the country and economic well-being to make Canadians dig in their heels. But what do Canadians want - here in Campbell River, in the province, and Canada?
Council of Canadians Campbell River Chapter is inviting all members of the community to gather to share their thoughts and concerns about the issues that are paramount in their lives. These may include defunding public health and education, cutting taxes and regulations for corporations, rolling back worker protections, and backpedalling on our climate commitments. Corporate interests and conservative political agendas call this expanding freedom of choice for healthcare and regulation, freeing up money for investment and growth; and providing workers more choice and flexibility, but this is smoke and mirrors for limiting public access to the services Canadians rely on and eroding democratic structures.
The Council of Canadians – who are non-partisan and not funded with any dollars from governments or corporations - have initiated the Unite For The Canada We Want campaign, which challenges elected officials and candidates to take real action to defend jobs and communities, to protect democracy and the environment. The Unite For The Canada We Want campaign incorporates the following eight principles:
1. Good jobs and decent housing for all.
2. Groceries everyone can afford.
3. Public health care for everyone and public services in every community.
4. Fair taxes across income levels.
5. Respect for the human right to water.
6. Real climate action now
7. Peace with justice, not increased military spending.
8. Respect for all, without prejudice or intolerance.
If people want their voice to be heard, join the Council of Canadians at a public forum on April 24 from 6:30 to 8:30 p.m., at the Campbell River Community Centre Lounge to discuss the issues and principles raised by the Pledge for Canada/Unite for the Canada We Want and plan for participation in this campaign. For more information, contact Rich at surfdust@telus.net.
The Vancouver Island Regional Library and the Council of Canadians Campbell River chapter are co-hosting a letter-writing workshop on April 6, from 1:30 to 3:30 p.m., in the meeting room at the Campbell River Library. This workshop is an opportunity to get some letter-writing tips and practice, whether it is to the newspaper, City Council, MLA or MP, corporate officers, or on Facebook or other social media. Please register on the VIRL website: https://virl.bc.ca/event/letter-writing-workshop/
