Stephen Harper tightly controls the voices in his government and tries to extend that control to as many civil society groups as possible.
He's made it clear that he's prepared to do whatever it takes to avoid public scrutiny and silence dissenting voices.
This behaviour diminishes our democracy.
Since Harper became prime minister in 2006, there has been a consistent pattern of anti-democratic behaviour.
Below are broad categories that show just how serious, ongoing and widespread this behaviour has been. Each link contains important stories that make the argument for that category. These will be continually updated with relevant items. Stay-tuned!
Harper has hammered another nail in the coffin of our Canadian democracy. In the governments frenzied efforts to drive the expansion, development and export of the tar sands he has labelled native, environmental and conservation groups "enemies of Canada".
Any descent heard over pipelines and tar sands, even within a formal hearing process has been ridiculed and labelled radical and foreign funded.
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Holding a majority of the seats in parliament has moved Harper to dictate Canada's future, rather than negotiate with Premiers and Canadian civil society.
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Starting with the firing of the Canadian Wheat Board (CWB) president in 2006, the Harper government has waged war on Canadian wheat and barley farmers. The CWB may be in its last days since the Harper majority of 2011 insists on pushing through legislation. Due to conditions under the North American Free Trade Agreement (NAFTA), if we lose the Wheat Board now, it can never be brought back.
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In just four years, with only a minority government, Mr. Harper has blurred Canada’s image. The international community is wondering what differentiates us from countries like the US. Our global influence has deteriorated as a result. Read more about how Harper has ruined Canada's international reputation.
Straying so far from his Reform Party roots, Harper has hit new records for hypocrisy in Canadian politics. Proroguing parliament to avoid an inquiry, allowing an unelected senate to kill legislation and stripping the opposition parties of their funding all occurred during his minority rule.
Seasoned bureaucrats, top advisers and members of his own party are not immune from censorship. Harper's need to control communications, messaging and any views deviating from his party line has no bounds.
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One way to maintain control is to keep your secrets close. Simply, shut down the flow of information and plug the leaks. Harper has done just that with the Access to Information Agency, the Public Sector Integrity Commission and chastising of career diplomat, Richard Colvin, and firing of whistleblower, Luc Pomerleau.
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.
Agencies, ombudsmen, and commissions all exist as watchdogs or advisers that operate at arms-length from the government. They ensure accountability, they offer expert opinions and are part of a healthy democracy. During Harper's first four years of minority rule, 14 people and their jobs got in the way of Harper's plans. Check out the long and growing list of those Harper has silenced.
Since 2006 Harper has denied funding to dozens of NGOs, from the Canadian Environmental Network to the National Association of Women and the Law. These unexpected cuts seriously disable each NGO's ability to educate the public, support struggling communities and work in the public interest.
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