FRANKE JAMES

I’m speaking out in defence of nature and democracy!

by Franke James

Canada’s Harper Government is pushing through a bill to weaken many of the country’s most important environmental protection measures and silence the voices of all Canadians who seek to defend nature.

All ages protest Bill C38 / LeadNow / Joe Oliver June 2, 2012, Toronto outside of Joe Oliver's office, photo by Franke James

The “Budget Bill C-38” is rewriting Canada’s environmental laws — and trying to silence advocates.

All ages protest Bill C38 / LeadNow / Joe Oliver June 2, 2012, Toronto outside of Joe Oliver s office, photo by Franke James

“This will forever change Canada’s natural environment with devastating effects on our future…”

“Bill C-38 brings in sweeping changes to Canada’s environmental laws.  Fully 30% of the 420 page bill is actually not about the budget at all.

“Instead, it attacks environmental legislation, repealing the Canadian Environmental Assessment Act and introducing an entirely new approach to environmental assessment. It also re-writes the Fisheries Act, the Species at Risk Act, and the Navigable Waters Protection Act. It also repeals the Kyoto Act, and cancels outright the National Round Table on the Environment and the Economy.” Elizabeth May, MP, Saanich-Gulf Islands, Leader of the Green Party of Canada

 

Govt could be sued over fisheries reform, Minister admits

“Fisheries and Oceans Canada acknowledges its reputation and capacity to protect the nation’s water are at risk because of a “change agenda” that also could be overturned in court, the department’s minister, Keith Ashfield, said in a report tabled this month in Parliament.” Read more

All ages protest Bill C38 / LeadNow / Joe Oliver June 2, 2012, Toronto outside of Joe Oliver's office, photo by Franke James
“Cabinet is now granted authority to override a “no” decision of the National Energy Board. This may allow politics of the day to trump an independent, objective process and undermine the NEB’s expertise.” EcoJustice Analysis

“Significant narrowing of public engagement in resource review panel hearings, particularly for major oil projects, pipelines and mines. In order to participate, people will have to prove they will be directly affected or have relevant information or expertise. In some cases, their contributions may still be ignored.” EcoJustice Analysis

We need 13 Hero MPs to Vote Against Bill C-38. Help convince them! Speak out. Sign the petition below…

Speak out on June 4, 2012 in defence of two core Canadian values: nature and democracy. Visit Blackout Speakout for more information.

Credits and Related Links:
Photos © Franke James at LeadNow’s June 2/12 Rally at Minister Joe Oliver’s riding office in Toronto.

What is Harper afraid of?
Quick link to email your MP
Sources: Blackout Speakout, EcoJustice Analysis, Elizabeth May and Mike de Souza, PostMedia.

This Blackout Speakout image was posted full size on June 4th on the front of www.frankejames.com.
I'm speaking out in defence of nature and democracy #BLACKOUTSPEAKOUT

27 Responses: 4 Comments and 23 Tweets

  • RickCole77 says:
    June 4, 2012 at 3:56 am

    I was with about 20 people demonstrating at Michael Chong’s constituency office in Fergus yesterday. I think we can learn from Quebec student protests– the pots and pans marches can be an effective way to get a politician’s ear.
    We might need to have monthly, weekly, or even daily (if it comes to that) demonstrations to stop the implementation of Bill C-38. If a “nice guy” like Michael Chong is forced to face 20 people protesting this bill outside his office everyday, he might consider joining another party or sitting as an independent member. He was only born in 1971 and he’s already earned a full pension so he’s got nothing to lose if he chooses to represent his constituents over his party. Here’s a chance for a disgruntled former Progressive Conservative MP to be a political hero. They might pass the bill before the summer break, but we can make plenty of noise before the fall session sits– let’s start pestering MPs to consider what’s in the best interest of their ridings, not what’s in the best interest of the party.

    I wrote this earlier today and on further pondering, I think Highway 6 in Fergus, Ontario is a perfect spot for big demonstration. #6 runs through the watershed of 3 great lakes on the way to Tobermory. Environmental deregulation is going to affect water everywhere. A big company with deep pockets can get a minister to overrule any decision. It’s time to hold members of THIS parliament to account– they spend so much time in question period questioning previous governments, they don’t want to answer questions about what they’re doing. It’s up to us as citizens to answer with more than “Bob Rae did this in Ontario twenty years ago and Mr. Mulcair had this portfolio in Quebec.” Big effin’ deal! It’s what this government is doing right now, not what happened in provincial legislatures in the past. Make some noise Canada! Casserole! Casserole! Casserole!

  • Norma says:
    June 4, 2012 at 1:30 pm

    Good for you Rick! Please convince the Hon. Michael Chong to do the right thing & become a Canadian Hero.
    Mr Chong has already proven himself to be a man of principle and also sits on the all party climate change caucus.
    Please keep up the pressure.
    Norma
    PS I was out on the streets with my Pots & Pans last Wed. We need to hand out leaflets to educate bystanders because the mainstream media is not doing their job.

  • Robert Henderson says:
    June 4, 2012 at 5:26 pm

    Find some other decent conservative members of parliament, people who ran for parliament to lead and make a difference. This is their best chance to do just that!

  • Norma says:
    June 4, 2012 at 10:10 pm

    There is a Facebook group: Seeking Thirteen Conservative Members of Parliament to Oppose Bill C-38
    https://www.facebook.com/groups/429355157084052/
    Can you help?

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