Let people vote! “Every citizen of Canada has the right to vote...” Nine simple words in the Charter of Rights and Freedoms lay the foundation of Canadas democracy. And this constitutional right were all guaranteed must be upheld with laws and institutions that vigorously protect it. Thats why on the very day the Unfair Elections Act became law, the Council of Canadians and Canadian Federation of Students announced were filing a Charter challenge to strike down key sections in court. At this very moment were preparing potent evidence that the Harper Conservatives electoral reforms undermine the Charter and our right to vote on several key grounds: The elimination of vouching and the Voter Information Card as proof of residency make it more difficult for people to vote, specifically students, the elderly and Indigenous people – who tend to not vote conservative. The Chief Electoral Officer is handcuffed from performing duties critical to the integrity of our democracy, including engaging the Canadian public in the democratic process and alerting us of fraudulent activity that threatens a free vote. Canadians remain vulnerable to more of the same voter suppression and fraud that was proven to have been perpetrated in the robocall scandal. In that case, the Federal Court Judge pointed to the Conservative Party of Canada as the most likely source of the data used to make the widespread fraudulent calls. The Act actually makes it harder for voters to exercise their right to overturn an election result that was fraudulently obtained. And its critical that we launch this legal action immediately. If we dont, these anti-democratic rules will be in effect for the 2015 federal election and the Harper Conservatives will have the deck stacked in their favour for re-election. Thats where you come in. Constitutional challenges arent cheap. But if we can raise $50,000 in public donations in the next 72 hours, well be able to kick start the legal proceedings as early as next week. As a Council of Canadians supporter, youve directly helped us sustain effective people-powered action to protect Canadas democracy and demand truly fair elections. Together weve made huge progress, and I know you agree we cant stop now. If we all chip in right now we can get the legal wheels moving. Can I count on your support? Every dollar helps and is urgently needed. Donate to support the Charter challenge You can also help by forwarding this email on to your friends and family who share your belief that Canada needs truly fair elections. However you decide to help, please do so now. The Unfair Elections Act is a huge step backwards for Canadian democracy. It cannot go unchallenged. With hope and resolve, Maude Barlow Maude Barlow National Chairperson Donate online Prefer to donate by phone? Call us toll-free at 1-800-387-7177 Prefer to donate by mail? Send your cheque payable to The Council of Canadians: The Council of Canadians 700-170 Laurier Avenue W Ottawa, ON K1P 5V5 The Council of Canadians The Council of Canadians, 700-170 Laurier Ave W, Ottawa, ON, K1P 5V5 1-800-387-7177 | [email protected] | canadians.org Facebook Page | @CouncilofCDNS Privacy Policy | Unsubscribe
Posted on: Sun, 22 Jun 2014 12:46:28 +0000
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