Before we say goodbye to 2013, I have something to say to you:
Thank you, thank you, thank you!
As a Council of Canadians supporter, this year you were at the centre of the most pressing issues of our time – and delivered huge people-powered victories.
Here are just six ways you were sensational in 2013:
1. You proved election fraud
Your support led to the landmark federal court ruling that found that Canadian voters were the victims of the largest and most sophisticated scheme of voter suppression in the history of our democracy. The judge also found that the most likely source of the fraudulent calls was the Conservative Party’s database.
Thank you for being a democracy defender!
2. You beat back Nestlé
You supported legal action that exposed Nestlé’s sneaky deal with the Ontario government to continue pumping local groundwater for its bottled water empire – even in times of drought – while area farmers and families suffer. And you ultimately forced Nestlé to fold, scoring a huge victory for community water rights. Meanwhile in B.C. where bottled water giants like Nestlé pay nothing for groundwater, your support helped push for new legislation to stop this outrageous corporate water theft.
Thank you for being a water warrior!
3. You saved the ELA
You played a critical role in saving the world-renowned Experimental Lakes Area research facility from being mothballed by Stephen Harper. Tens of thousands of Council of Canadians supporters like you stepped up to sign petitions, write letters, and fund creative actions that compelled the Ontario government to fund the ELA and save Canada’s most important freshwater research station.
Thank you for being a science saviour!
4. You stood up for responsible trade
Because of your support, the Harper Conservatives failed to ratify the Canada-EU Comprehensive Economic and Trade Agreement (CETA), pushing negotiations into their fifth year. While a CETA agreement in principle was signed, thanks to you it’s far from a done deal. Your support was critical in exposing the serious threats the deal poses to local democracy, public health care and the environment that will be the deal’s undoing.
Thank you for putting fair trade first!
5. You rallied for health care
You demanded that the federal government negotiate a new health accord, with a fair funding formula and national standards. Your support made all the difference at the premiers’ meeting in Niagara-on-the-Lake and in lobby meetings with MPs. You’ll help us get the deal we deserve in 2014.
Thank you for being a health care hero!
6. You said “No Fracking Way!”
You sustained community-led fights to protect the drinking water of families, farms and First Nations from the toxic effects of fracking. Local Council of Canadians chapter members were instrumental in raising the public awareness and political willl that led to a fracking moratorium in Newfoundland and Labrador and an independent review in Nova Scotia. Your support is empowering families in B.C. and Alberta – fracking hotspots – with tools and resources to take on Big Oil & Gas companies.
Thank you for being a fracking fighter!
But most of all, thanks for being a sensational supporter!
These are just a few examples of the concrete difference you make year-round as a Council of Canadians member. Thank you again for your remarkable support this year.
Happy holidays and best to you and yours.
Maude Barlow
National Chairperson, the Council of Canadians
P.S. Want to make 2014 an even more sensational year? Start a sustaining monthly gift now.