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'The motive behind this attack is an attempt by the Harper government to impose a social-conservative agenda on public policy priorities without any public discussion or accountability.'
Vancouver (19 June 2010) – Delegates attending the NUPGE Convention in Vancouver unanimously adopted an emergency resolution Saturday condemning the Harper government’s ideological attack on civil society organizations.
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The resolution notes the following partial list of organizations that have experienced the sting of the Harper government’s ideological backlash:
- National Association of Women and the Law
- Court Challenges Program
- Status of Women Canada
- International Planned Parenthood
- Match International
- KAIROS
- Alternatives
- Rights and Democracy
- Canadian Council of International Cooperation
- National Science Adviser
- Canadian Foundation for Climate and Atmospheric Science
- Law Commission of Canada
The resolution calls on NUPGE and its Components across the country to expose and oppose regressive actions of the Harper government which undermine democracy, equality and consumer rights of Canadians and diminish Canada’s reputation in the global community
Karen Wickman, a delegate from the B.C. Government and Service Employees' Union (BCGEU/NUPGE), pointed out that "the motive behind this attack is an attempt by the Harper government to impose a social-conservative agenda on public policy priorities without any public discussion or accountability."
"Not only is this attack ideological, it also reveals the anti-gay, homophobic agenda of our current government," added Don Goss, a delegate from the Nova Scotia Government and General Employees Union (NSGEU/NUPGE). He also noted that not one single Pride event has been funded by the Harper government this year.
Nancy Pridham, a delegate from the Ontario Public Service Employees Union (OPSEU/NUPGE), added:
"It's shameful that we elect a government which is intent on silencing the voice of people who advocate and speak up on behalf of our most vulnerable citizens. What we are witnessing is an attempt to limit, control and even criminalize legitimate dissenting voices in Canada."
The resolution calls on NUPGE to join and support the new ‘Voices’ coalition of civil society activists from across the country in a united fight-back campaign. It also asks NUPGE to encourage the labour movement to step forward and support civil society organizations materially and by campaigning for the restoration of public funding.
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The National Union of Public and General Employees (NUPGE) is one of Canada's largest labour organizations with over 340,000 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
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