Council of Canadians honorary chairperson Maude Barlow.
During this season that celebrates peace and goodwill to all, let us continue to build a better world that includes:
1- The right to water and sanitation, clean drinking water for all, the public ownership of water utilities, and the full protection of all water sources.
2- The public ownership of energy resources, energy democracy, energy efficiency and public transit, just transition strategies for workers in the fossil fuel economy, and a 100 per cent renewable energy future by 2050.
3- Fair trade that promotes the creation of permanent, well-paying jobs, the right of governments to regulate in the public interest, the prioritization of environmental protection, and where the judiciary arbitrates on trade related disputes.
4- The full implementation of the United Nations Declaration on the Rights of Indigenous Peoples, notably the right to free, prior and informed consent, and respect for inherent rights and title.
5- A fully public health care system, that promotes well-being and includes a universal and public drug coverage program.
6- A functioning democracy with proportional representation, public participation in decision-making, and involvement in meaningful consultations in between elections.
7- A democratic economy that meets the needs of the environment and workers, prioritizes a sufficient income for all, the elimination of wealth disparities, full protection for all workers, and an end to poverty.
8- Global relations based on peace, social solidarity, equality, a community of nations, the elimination of nuclear weapons, and the free movement of people.
9- Air, water and other shared resources necessary for life to be accessible to all members of society and held in common as a public trust.
10- Justice, equal rights, accessibility and inclusion for all.
For a fuller articulation of our world view, please see our Vision Statement here.
#ABetterWorldIsPossible
