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MP Joyce Murray calls on Government to “Stop the Bullying”; Stands up for Charities
For Immediate Release
June 4, 2012
MP Joyce Murray calls on Government to “Stop the Bullying”; Stands up for Charities
OTTAWA— The Liberal Party of Canada is standing in solidarity with participants in BLACKOUTSPEAKOUT, a campaign organized by groups working to expose the Harper Conservatives’ continual assault on the environment and democracy, said Joyce Murray, Member of Parliament for Vancouver Quadra.
“Many non-profit organizations and volunteer groups are being bullied by the Conservative government, simply for doing their jobs,” said Murray. “They are being muzzled, verbally attacked, having their funding withdrawn, and even being audited and harassed by Revenue Canada—all because their message is not the same as the government’s.”
“This is about creating awareness among Canadians that their voice is threatened,” said Liberal Leader Bob Rae. “Conservative strong arm tactics, like discrediting watchdogs, muzzling scientists or attacking and defunding NGOs, are unacceptable. Canadians must continue to speak out, or the only voice left will be Harper’s.”
Since coming to power in 2006, this Conservative government has led an unrelenting assault against bureaucrats, independent watchdogs, NGOs, charities and even Parliament in an attempt to suppress voices critical of their actions. Recently, they reached a new low in attempting to smear charities and NGOs under the guise of a Senate Inquiry on “the involvement of foreign foundations in Canada’s domestic affairs.” Liberal Senators have launched a campaign to pressure the government to give charities an opportunity to defend their reputation.
“It is wrong for Conservatives to use their position to make serious accusations without providing an opportunity for those accused to present their side of the story,” said Leader of the Opposition in the Senate, Liberal Senator Jim Cowan. “While their latest victims are charities, NGOs and organizations that have spoken out against this government’s dismal environmental record, the reality is that anyone could be next. That’s why we will continue to stand with these groups and all Canadians in the fight against this government’s ideological agenda.”
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