Tell Stephen Harper: Environmentalists Aren't Terrorists

Harper's support of the Enbridge Northern Gateway Pipeline has inspired opposition from many environmental organizations. Harper's response? To muzzle them any way that he can. Make no mistake: this is a direct attack.

First, his government exaggerated claims about foreign funding and influence. Then they falsely accused environmental organizations of terrorism. Now, they want to give $8 million to the CRA (Canadian Revenue Agency) to take away charitable status if charities are acting 'too political'.

The government has already been using underhanded tactics for months in order to gut green charities. Now charities' right to advocate is on the chopping block. But the CRA isn't clear about the difference between politics and advocacy, leaving many charities nervous about stepping over an invisible line.

The inane allegations of terrorism and foreign interest are bad enough. But now there is a very real possibility that through the CRA, the Harper government will do its best to legally silence charities that disagree with him. We shouldn't be surprised if the first charities to be monitored are environmental organizations, speaking out against the tar sands and the Enbridge pipeline.

Harper and his government are deliberately putting the concerns of the oil lobby - both domestic and foreign - over Canada's environment. Tell Prime Minister Harper that quashing dissenting opinions is no way to lead a country.