Dear Sisters and Brothers,
Today marks the Idle No More World Day of Action, a momentous day for the historic movement that has swept the country and attracted global attention and support. As MPs return to Parliament Hill today, we will stand together to peacefully protest attacks on democracy, Indigenous freedoms, human rights and environment protections.
Make no mistake; this movement affects each and every one of us. Similar to PSAC’s “We Are All Affected” campaign, the Idle No More movement challenges this tyrannical government in an effort to prevent any further degradation to the country we love.
Bill C-45, the government’s latest omnibus budget bill, was crammed full of changes that had nothing to do with the budget and should have never been included in a money bill. It made a complete mockery of our political system and our supposed democratic rights. But Idle No More is giving the people, Indigenous and non-Indigenous, a voice.
We will not be made fools by Harper and his henchman. We will not stand idly by, while our country’s environmental standards are compromised and destroyed for corporate gain. We will not allow proper legislative procedures to be steamrolled by oppressive leadership.
Idle No More is about education, compassion and working together towards a common goal. There is no time for apathy; there is no room for ignorance. We must each do our part to engage in this movement, help spread the word, and to stand up and fight back against Harper’s attacks on the freedoms of both Indigenous peoples and all Canadians.
I encourage you to search Facebook for events happening in your area and take part at every opportunity you can. As the old adage goes, “United we stand. Divided we fall.” Let’s stand together, united, to save Canada for our families, and generations to come.
In Solidarity,
Marianne Hladun
Regional Executive Vice-President
Public Service Alliance of Canada, Prairies