The voice of the public comes in many different forms from formal consultation processes, to artistic expression or mass demonstrations. Public outcry is the engine for democratic social change. Harper has not hesitated in snubbing, dismissing, or shutting down the public's voice.
Franke James' video on blacklisting by Harper
See the visual essay: Banned on the Hill
Parliamentary review of Canadian Environmental Assessment Act abruptly terminated
Ottawa (29 Nov 2011) - "The democratic process means involving people in setting the direction that our laws take,” said West Coast Environmental Law Association’s Josh Paterson. “In order to develop environmental legislation that will actually be effective, you need everybody at the table. This process doesn’t come close."
Federal government appeals landmark Internet access case - "no need for monitoring"
Ottawa (17 Nov 2011) - In November 2010, the Federal Court declared that the federal government's websites were not accessible to blind persons.
Canada’s Climate Change office secretly killed approval for Franke James’ European art tour: govt documents reveal
Ottawa (10 Nov 2011) - Internal government documents, released through an Access To Information request, show that Canada’s Climate Office in Ottawa, at the Department of Foreign Affairs and International Trade (DFAIT), made the decision to cancel Canadian support for the Franke James European Tour.
Artist sees red over government 'blacklisting'
Ottawa (28 July 2011) - James says it is “chilling and shocking” to be “painted as persona non grata” abroad by her own government when she has never advocated violence or civil disobedience. “I believe we should change the laws, not break them.”
Canadian Government tries to silence artist Franke James
Ottawa (25 July 2011) - She has been critical of the Canadian government's policies with respect to the tar sands and climate change, but she is not exactly Garry Trudeau of Doonesbury fame, really. One would think that they had bigger fish to fry, but that didn't stop the government from stepping in to stomp her.
Fundamental principles of law violated during G20
Ottawa (12 Nov 2010) - “Canada has rarely seen such shocking and appalling disrespect for the fundamental principles of law as during the G20,” says Paul Cavalluzzo, a respected labour lawyer and board member of the Canadian Foundation on Labour Rights (CFHR).
NUPGE calls for independent inquiry to investigate human rights and civil liberties violations at G20
Toronto (15 Nov 2010) - 'My union does not accept the continued stonewalling by the federal government. We demand that Prime Minister Harper establish an independent public inquiry.' - James Clancy.
