August 19, 2019
This article refers to the Elections Canada warning for charitable organizations to stay clear of the climate change debate!
Can you believe it? Canada has taken another ridiculous step into the realm of irresponsibility. Elections Canada announced at a training session that Charitable Organizations who take a stand on Climate change could be subject to fine and loose their charitable designation. All this because one politician claims there is no climate change emergency. Apparently speaking truth to perceived power can be considered partisanship and therefore a no, no!
Maxime Bernier, leader of the People’s Party of Canada, and that party moniker could be totally questioned, has expressed doubts about the legitimacy of climate change. He is quoted as espousing in a June speech, “The main reason for climate change, it is not human activity. There is no climate change urgency in this country.” This despite scientific and observable proof to the contrary.
Now I’m certainly no expert on rules of election protocols, BUT I cannot for the life of me understand how any organization trying to save humanity, the environment and the planet can be silenced because one person scrambling for votes ignores reality. I know we have issues in Canada, BUT, in my naivety, I truly thought we had freedom of speech and expression, especially concerning the blatant facts staring us in the face.
The ice cap is melting, ocean water is warming, ocean water levels are rising, temperatures are increasing, storms are intensifying and disease carrying insects are migrating northerly with the rising temperatures to name only a few of the obvious signs.
Now Maxime Bernier, or anyone else for that matter, can refute the facts and take whatever stand they want concerning climate change; however, from my perspective, Elections Canada has overstepped its authority and mandate and has absolutely no right to even consider such a ruling. As declining as it is, I still hold onto the premise that Canada is a democracy, and as such we should be free to tell the truth!
I have written Elections Canada on this very disconcerting issue and suggest that you take a moment and make your voice heard as well.
Other views are welcome.
Clinton Halladay