A Better Canada is Possible

A Better Canada is Possible
Promoting Canadian independence, democracy and economic justice in an interdependent world

Canadian Sovereignty
For years, Canadians have been told that the closer we are to the United States’ policies, the better off we’ll be. But after more than 15 years of free trade, we know that’s not true.

What’s been a bonanza for big corporations and private investors has been bad news for the rest of us – and for the public good. Our resources and the environment are under threat. Our health care and other public services are being cut and privatized. Our jobs and the promise of a living wage are being steadily eroded.

Now, powerful corporate lobbyists and politicians are calling for even deeper ties with the United States. The Security and Prosperity Partnership of North America, an agreement recently signed by Canada, Mexico and the U.S., is paving the way for Canada to integrate our security measures with those of the United States, surrender control of our energy supplies, sell off our water, and harmonize our food and drug testing policies with lower U.S. standards.

“If you want to know who is going to change this country, take a look in the mirror.”
Maude Barlow,
National Chairperson

But not everyone agrees that corporate profits should trump the public interest. We’re The Council of Canadians. We believe that Canadians and the world are best served by a strong, independent and diverse Canada. We work with grassroots activists, seniors, students, community groups, unions and other organizations to prove that a better Canada, and a better world, is possible.

Social and economic justice
The Council of Canadians is a public interest organization that works to protect Canadian sovereignty by promoting progressive, independent national policies on fair trade, clean water, safe food, public health care, and other issues of social and economic concern to Canadians. We have members and chapters across the country.

We develop creative campaigns to put some of the country’s most important issues into the spotlight. We organize speaking tours, days of action, conferences and demonstrations. We also produce research reports, create popular materials, and work with individuals and organizations across the country and around the world. We do all of this to ensure that governments know the kind of Canada we want.

Over the years, working with others, we have won many victories, including:

Forcing Ottawa to withdraw its so-called “seniors’ benefit,” which would have robbed seniors of millions of dollars in retirement income.
Blocking the Multilateral Agreement on Investment, which would have given corporations even greater powers to challenge laws that protect Canadian citizens and the environment.
Stopping the introduction of Bovine Growth Hormone in cows, which would have contaminated Canadian milk with a dangerous additive linked to cancer.
Defeating the Voluntary Water Accord, which would have allowed provinces to export unlimited quantities of water, and left all Canadian water open to export under the North American Free Trade Agreement.

Citizen democracy
If you believe that our social programs and public services should be strengthened, not privatized; that our foreign and trade policies should be independent, not subservient to the United States; and that our water and natural resources should be protected, not exploited, please join us as a member.

How can you help?
The Council of Canadians is a non-profit organization and does not accept donations from corporations or governments. Our work is sustained by the donations of concerned Canadians who share our vision and commitment to action.

Here are just a few ways to support us:

Join a local chapter of The Council of Canadians.
Read and distribute our materials.
Write a letter to the editor of your local newspaper.
Donate to The Council of Canadians.

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