LEAD NOW RALLY AT JOHN BAIRD’S OFFICE – 2012 06 02
C-38 - Anti Democracy, Anti Environment, Anti Economic Justice
A big thank you to Lead Now for organizing this rally and to
Anita Grace for stepping up to be the local contact on the ground. And thank you so much for inviting me to
speak on behalf of the Canadian Unitarians For Social Justice. Thanks to all the Unitarians and all the rest
of you who came here today to stand in the rain and protest this terrible
budget bill. Shall we take a page out of
the Occupy Movement and try the human microphone? Yes?
Mic check. Mic check.
I didn’t want – to come out here – and stand in the rain –
for a protest! - Did you?
I came because my heart is broken. This budget bill – is a terrible bill – for
Canada.
I came to stand on guard for Canada.
As a Unitarian minister – I want to hold up – 3 principles –
I hold sacred.
The first is democracy.
I object to the process of C-38.
An omnibus bill hides the facts. An omnibus bill suppresses debate.
We pay MP’s – to examine the details – give close scrutiny –
debate – and LISTEN!
Closure gives no time for this.
In a democracy – government regulates industry – for the
benefit – of the common good.
This budget – fires scientists – who study Canada – and
produce knowledge.
This budget – fires librarians – archivists – and
statisticians – who organize and store - and make meaning of knowledge – and
who keep our history. It doesn’t want –
to make decisions – or set policy – based on knowledge. It doesn’t value who we are.
This budget – fires inspectors – in all areas. When government – abrogates its
responsibilitiy of oversight – it leaves the fox – in charge of the chicken
coop. We have more Walkerton’s – Food
poisoning – Enbridge leaky pipelines – and Gulf oil spills.
The second is the interdependent web – of all existence – of
which we are a part.
I believe – the earth – the air – the water are sacred.
I believe all species – have a right – to a place to live.
Gigantic scale mining – produces industrialized landscapes –
that wipe out all life – in their path.
This trend must stop. It is a
false economy.
We must change our ways – to live in harmony – with the
natural world – that sustains us – and gives us life.
Mr. Harper and Mr. Baird – are dismantling our environmental
protection, to promote – fast tar sands growth.
The want – to ignore – their obligations to consult – with First Nations
– who live and die – eating polluted wildlife.
They care nothing for the needs – and well being - of future
generations.
This bill – changes the face of Canada – without even a
debate – for the sake of greed and profit.
This government was elected – by 39% of the vote – but it wields – 100%
of the power – and gives 61% - no respect.
One minister – can make and change rules – with no consultation. Absolute power corrupts – absolutely.
Why are they afraid to talk? Why are they afraid to listen?
Third: I hold justice
– equity – and compassion sacred.
Where in this budget – do we care for the homeless? Where in this budget – do we care for the hungry? Instead – funding for medicare and education
– is threatened. Our pensions are under
attack.
For the first time – our children – will have less security
– and well being – than we have had. The
social safety net – that my parent’s generation – set up – is being dismantled
– piece by piece.
I stand here today – in the rain – to stand on guard of
Canada.
I call on this government – to slow down – slow down – slow
down.
Break up this bill.
Give us a national debate – about the kind of Canada – we want.
We want democracy.
We want environmental protection.
We want government oversight of industry.
We want respect and consultation with First Nations.
We want equity – and a fair chance – for all people – and
all life.
Sing – O Canada – in English and French.
