Conservatives Stifling Free Speech from NGOs

It appears that the Stephen Harper lead Conservative government of Canada is stomping on free speech - at least freedom to speak by those who suck at the government tit so to speak. Non Governmental Organizations (NGO) that receive any funding from the federal government have been told to "be careful about your advocacy" by Keith Fountain, policy director for International Co-operation Minister Bev Oda.

Many (most) NGOs do a lot of work that benefits our society, and they have to survive across changes in government. If nothing else, the NGOs tend to act as advocates for some segment of the population in the never-ending fight for rational use of our resources and energies - pushing and pulling and hopefully balancing some of the excesses and neglects of other portions of our society - including government.

Some NGOs act as bellwethers in leading us toward better use of our environment. Some act as advocates for various segments of society that are in need. Some keep business honest and watch for long-term effects of short term decisions. I personally don't think we could get along without NGOs and their crusades - and most governments understand and agree with their continued existence and at least minimal governmental funding.

The problem here is not one of "should government be funding this NGO which is trying to do this and that?" The problem is one of using a specific warning against free speech as a whip. This is not a "governmental" action done with due consideration to the benefits and costs to society surrounding funding of a NGO, it is using political influence to stifle an NGO's ability to do what it sees is its course and mandate.

Fair debate on whether or not to fund NGOs in general and/or a specific NGO in particular and due process in this is one thing. Using direct threat is quite another.

Mr. Harper - we're watching you - and at this point I personally don't like some of the things you're doing.

Obligatory disclaimer - I do work for a NGO that is looking for federal funding for some projects

Tag: ngo freedom of speech