TORONTO – The Our Canada Project -- which was launched today at a Toronto press conference -– says the vast majority of voters support its call for a return to the Canadian traditions of peace-keeping and environmental protection.

The Project -- an unprecedented initiative of 25 major environmental, women’s, labour, student, arts, and social justice organizations –- released polling sponsored by The Council of Canadians and The Polaris Institute. The polling shows that Canadians in overwhelming numbers support peace-keeping over joint combat operations with the United States, and reject President Bush’s “Star Wars” program.

“The Our Canada Project says the upcoming election is going to be a watershed. We can either move closer to the Bush Administration or we can embrace our great Canadian traditions of compassion, peace-keeping, and environmental stewardship,” said John Doherty, Chair of the Board of Greenpeace Canada, one of the groups signing the Our Canada declaration.

The Our Canada Project represents the first major intervention by citizens’ groups in the upcoming federal election. “While the Project is non-partisan, we urge voters to use the ballot box to affirm Canada’s position as a peace-maker, defender of universal social programs, and champion of human rights”, said Maude Barlow, Chair of The Council of Canadians, one of the signatory groups.

Also speaking at the launch: Father Paul Hansen and Sara Stratton (KAIROS), Paul Moist (CUPE), and Heather Allin (ACTRA).
Click here to read the Ipsos-Reid poll
Click here to download the statement of the "Our Canada Project" with the list of signatories.

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