Dismantling Democracy: Stifling debate and dissent in Canada

National coalition provides case studies of how federal Conservative government has implemented a deliberate strategy of repressing alternative voices and undermining democratic institutions.

Ottawa (17 June 2015) — Voices-Voix, a non-partisan coalition of Canadians and Canadian organizations that includes the National Union of Public and General Employees (NUPGE) as a member, has released a comprehensive account of the ways in which the federal government has stifled debate and dissent in Canada.

More than 110 cases reported

Since 2010, Voices-Voix has published more than 110 case studies that ‘connect the dots,’ showing a pattern of actions by the federal government to silence critics, stifle debate, diminish knowledge, and dodge accountability.

Dismantling Democracy: Stifling debate and dissent in Canada, documents the abuse of parliamentary rules, the intimidation of public servants, and the defunding and intimidation of organizations that hold views at odds with the government. 

Deliberate strategy to repress alternate views

The report documents where the federal government has gutted the capacity of its own departments and independent agencies to offer information and analysis needed to make sound policy choices.

From scuttling the long-form census, to muzzling scientists, to cutting funding for evidence-based advocacy, the report argues that the government has pursued a deliberate strategy to repress alternative views.

Voices-Voix is calling on Canadians to press politicians for clear commitments to uphold rights, promote healthy dialogue and strengthen democracy. 

More information:

Dismantling Democracy: Stifling debate and dissent in Canada

NUPGE

The National Union of Public and General Employees (NUPGE) is one of Canada's largest labour organizations with over 360,000 members. Our mission is to improve the lives of working families and to build a stronger Canada by ensuring our common wealth is used for the common good. NUPGE