Girish Mahajan (Editor)

Voices Voix

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Voices-Voix is a Canadian coalition made up of organizations and individuals seeking to defend democracy, which encompasses free speech, transparency and equality.

Contents

History

In April 2010, more than 100 representatives of organizations from across Canada assembled in Ottawa to address the state of democracy under the current federal government. Following these discussions, the Voices-Voix coalition was formed, in an agreement that attacks by the current government pose a serious threat to an open and healthy democracy in Canada.

The organizations that make up the coalition are diverse in their priorities, however, goals include protection of democracy, human rights - including minority and women's rights- the environment, peace and respect for the law. Under the Voices-Voix umbrella, the organizations are united in the belief that democracy, free speech, transparency and equality must be better respected and protected by the Canadian government.

Structure and vision

Voices-Voix is a non-profit and non-partisan coalition that welcomes new members. Organizations who have their headquarters in Canada can become members of Voices-Voix after endorsing the Voices-Voix Declaration. The coalition is all-inclusive with the exception of political parties, who are prohibited from membership. Member-organizations become part of a dialogue related to the collective action necessary in order to achieve their common objectives. The communications coordinator is the coalition’s only staff member, an expense covered by donations from member-organizations.

The coalition is based on the premise that Canadians elect representatives in order to have their voices heard - not ignored or silenced. Voices-Voix asserts that elected officials are morally obligated to respect the voices and to represent the will of the people. Voices-Voix is seeking to raise awareness on issues of free speech, transparency and equality in Canada which they believe, are necessary elements of a more informed citizenry and a thriving democracy.

The Voices-Voix declaration calls on the government of Canada to: firstly, respect the right to freedom of opinion and expression, secondly, to act in accordance with Canada’s democratic values and thirdly, to be transparent - which includes demonstrating accountability and keeping partisan agendas separate from funding decisions.

Individuals who are looking to endorse the declaration are asked to do so by signing a petition.

References

Voices-Voix Wikipedia