Bill C-38, the omnibus budget bill, is a 400-page bill that proposes to amend 70 pieces of diverse legislation dealing with the environment, libraries and archives, fair wages, old age security, human rights, employment equity, telecommunications, employment insurance, nuclear safety and much more.
It provides powers to the FBI in Canada, it proposes an $8-million investigation of the charitable status of environmental groups, it closes down many long-term federal advisory bodies, and it gives far more power to ministers.
Yet all of these amendments are being reviewed by just the finance committee and the bill is being pushed through the system. If passed, this bill will affect Canadians for a very long time - politically, socially, culturally and environmentally.
For the love of Canada, please consider joining the many Canadians of all political stripes who are speaking out against the contents of this bill and the unprecedented process being used to avoid informed, democratic debate and discussion.
Attaching important and unrelated changes to a budget bill is a very American way of trying to change the direction of the country.
If you have any concerns at all about Bill C-38, please write to our MP, Ryan Leef (ryan.leef@parl.gc.ca) asking him to vote against this bill (or call his office at 668-6565).
If just 13 Conservative MPs vote against this bill, it can be defeated. Ask Ryan to do the right thing and stand up to represent his constituents. (If you voted for him, be sure to tell him that.)
As Margaret Mead has said, “Never doubt that a small group of thoughtful, committed citizens can change the world. Indeed, it is the only thing that ever has.” Change can and does happen.
Jennifer Ellis
Whitehorse